Stock up in case of severe weather

Violent electrical storms accompanied by tornado-type winds, hail and flash flooding are frequent harsh weather conditions in the Harrisonburg area from April to October, according to JMU’s Emergency Response Plan.

The violent weather section of the emergency response plan suggests: "stock up on flashlights, portable radios and batteries. Gas up your car in advance. Listen to instructions from your building coordinators. Keep away from windows, the winds or wind-borne object may strike and shatter them. Stay tuned to your radio for local information."

Students are urged to put together hurricane preparation kits, which include basic food, clothing, medication and water for several days.

"We have taken some exemplary steps in planning for an extreme emergency … [the plan] deals with a multitude of possibilities," said Fred Hilton, director of media relations.

JMU has an emergency response team that meets immediately whenever there is an issue of severity. The group is comprised of people from all over campus, including the president, chief of police, computer/telecommunications specialists and other various individuals. "The key people in different areas that know what to do are represented," Hilton added.

Victor Lim, junior class vice president, said, "JMU is good at alerting students in preparation for violent weather. They send out notices as soon as possible and post procedures on the school Web site during any hint of inclement weather."

The emergency response plan discusses in detail many safety issues, in addition to the threat of violent weather. The plan includes information about fire safety, evacuation methods, utility failure and first aid. Some portions of the Web site are confidential; however, most of the information regarding safety and procedures are accessible to the public.

"Students are in a unique situation because they have to worry about themselves, as well as their family situations," said Jim Junkin, director of emergency communications for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

During times of an emergency, parents and students may find it challenging to get in touch with one another. In such instances Junkin said, "Have a third party contact that is not from this area."

A third contact party would allow students to have a person from far away in time of emergency in case their immediate family can not to be reached. Both parties can contact the third party to send the message that they are OK, especially if phone lines are down and there is limited opportunity to call home.

Although JMU has prepared for violent weather and the safety plan is extensive.

"You can not anticipate everything," said Hilton.