In light of the enormity of recent disasters, like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, September 11 and others, the need for preparedness has become obvious. Organizations, businesses, and institutions are developing and refining plans to lessen the effects of such happenings. Shippensburg is no exception to this.

In mid-March, the university created the Disaster-Resistant University Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (DRU/HMPC). The goal of the committee is to prepare a hazard mitigation plan to help guide Ship toward greater disaster resistance and is another piece of the on-going efforts to create a more sustainable university community.

Hazard mitigation, as described in the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, are actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risks to life and property from hazards. Efforts taken prior to a hazard event are essential to breaking the typical disaster cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. Carefully chosen, mitigation actions are often long-term, cost-effective means of reducing the risk of loss.

The planning process includes public involvement through meetings, identification of hazards that could affect the university, assessment of the university’s vulnerability in terms of people and structures affected, identification of actions that can reduce the risk, and development of an implementation strategy.
The plan will qualify the university for federal aid for technical assistance and post-disaster funding. It will also be prepared to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements for eligibility for funding from state and federal hazard mitigation programs. Those interested in more information should contact Dave Wozniak at 717-477-1446.