To earn the designation, the university had to meet seven criteria involving preparation to respond to severe weather conditions and weather emergencies, explained Chris Miller, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Lincoln.
These included having designated storm shelters, multiple methods for issuing warnings, trained weather spotters and formal, written emergency plans that are tested.
Miller said he was “very impressed” with ISU's Emergency Operations Center and with its emergency action plans for Hancock Stadium and Redbird Arena.
“These should be a model for other facilities,” Miller said Wednesday as he presented a certificate to university officials.
Eric Hodges, ISU's emergency manager, said, “Illinois State University promotes a culture of preparedness and this designation illustrates that commitment.”
The university has 800 emergency guides around campus with directions for what to do in the event of specific emergencies. There also are emergency alert radios in dozens of locations, including residence halls, athletic venues, the Bone Student Center and Milner Library.
“Severe weather is one of the most likely hazards facing Illinois State University,” Hodges said. The university monitors towns and counties to its west to see what may be coming, he said.
People can be notified of severe weather approaching through the ISU Emergency Alert text system, campus telephone system, classroom computer displays, digital display boards and social media accounts, officials said.
Hodges said the Emergency Operations Center opened about 18 months ago. It has not been needed for a weather emergency, but has been used for drills, training and exercises, he said.
The announcement of ISU's designation came as Illinois is observing Severe Weather Preparedness Week. ISU President Larry Dietz called it a fitting recognition of the tireless work to “make this a safe campus.”
The StormReady program is a nationwide effort of the National Weather Service. Carlock, Pontiac, Saunemin and Central Illinois Regional Airport also have been designated as StormReady. Other public universities with the designation are Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Northern Illinois University and Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.
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