Augustana College is now prepared to respond to any disaster. That was the message today from the National Weather Service and Illinois Emergency Management Agency, who recognized Augustana for its campus safety.
Augustana is one of four in Illinois to receive the "Ready to Respond Campus" designation. President Steve Bahls says the college has been working for over a year to complete the state's campus safety criteria.
The "Ready to Respond Campus" program involves risk assessment, campus-wide training, and violence prevention planning. And, Vice President Evelyn Campbell says the college has also worked with local police and fire departments for three years, to conduct emergency drills.
Augustana was also deemed "StormReady" by the National Weather Service. About 170 colleges and universities have the designation. It requires campuses to have a system that monitors local weather conditions, multiple methods of alerting the public about severe weather, and a formal response plan.
Augustana can now use the "Ready to Respond Campus" logo on its website and brochures for three years.