To keep Oswego State prepared for erratic weather, University Police has earned StormReady designation by the National Weather Service.
The StormReady Program was implemented into the SUNY Alert System to let the students and faculty know immediately when severe weather is about to strike. University Police has partnered with weather service meteorologist Judith Levan, who is an Oswego State alumna.
The police department has also created a collaboration with the Oswego State meteorology department. By working with both the weather service and the Oswego State meteorology program, it is now feasible to receive and distribute information regarding 24/7 weather alerts.
“It was not mandated for the department to join the StormReady program,” Kevin Velzy, University Police assistant chief, said. “We want to make sure that all of the students and faculty are prepared for Oswego’s severe weather, especially during the winter months.”
Oswego State is one of nine universities across New York State involved with the StormReady program. The other seven consist of four fellow SUNY institutions: Oneonta, Binghamton University, Empire Medical and Plattsburgh. The other four institutions affiliated with the StormReady program are Cornell University, Ithaca College, University of Rochester and Syracuse University.
There are four supervisors and four dispatchers that are certified weather spotters for the police department. In order to be a part of the program, the police department was required to fill out an 11-page application. The application required them to show proof campus community, weather service radio, and access to weather stations, as well as provide educational awareness and prevention to the campus community.
“Earning the StormReady designation from the National Weather Service showcases the commitment that Oswego state has when it comes to preserving the safety of its campus community,” said Chief Communication Officer Wayne Westervelt. “Our University Police officers have gone through advanced training; They have demonstrated to the National Weather Service that they meet all of the StormReady designation criteria.”
There are many ways students and faculty can be notified when severe weather is approaching. The SUNY Alert system sends text messages and emails to faculty, students and the students’ parents, not only about severe weather, but also other risks to campus.
The digital signs located in every building can be accessed by University Police and display weather alerts and other emergencies. One last way they can notify people on campus is by speaking through the loud speakers located on some of the residence halls and academic buildings.
Another department the University Police has partnered with is the communications department. Both departments share the news and events on the biweekly campus update page as well as the campus news and events webpage on the school website.
For the students who have not accessed or do not know about the NY-Alert system, there are a few links on the Oswego State webpage that educate students on how to activate these alerts. These links are located under the “Emergency Communication,” “Class cancellations” and “Sign up for NY-Alert” categories.
University Police often table in the Marano Campus Center, educating students on campus safety and weather-readiness.
Photo: Greg Tavani | The Oswegonian
