UNC devises plan to avoid natural disasters

UNC might not be able to prevent hurricanes or major storms, but it is developing a plan to respond more effectively to disasters.

A draft of the UNC Hazard Mitigation Plan, which evaluates the campus’ vulnerability to natural hazards and proposes recommendations for addressing them, states that high winds could present a great threat to outdated campus buildings.

James Porto, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management, presented the plan — which focuses on speeding the recovery phases following hazardous events and protecting the University community — to administrators Friday.

Porto said the plan’s main focus is response to natural hazards, including tornados, droughts, thunderstorms, hurricanes and flooding.

Based on historical patterns, the plan lists tropical storms, winter storms and thunderstorms as the most common risks facing UNC.

The planning team highlighted these threats because campus is highly forested and composed of many multistory buildings.

“The practice of locating equipment on flat roof structures, the older construction of some buildings, the extensive use of signage throughout campus — all suggested that conducting a detailed assessment of the most significant structures against a high wind event was the most effective use of available resources,” the plan states.

While campus structures are designed to withstand natural hazards, many were built under less stringent construction codes, which makes them more vulnerable to severe weather.

The plan includes recommendations to prevent significant damage, such as inspections of roofs, electrical systems and drainage.

Tornadoes, mudslides, dam failure, earthquakes and droughts are described as less likely. Meteor impact, tsunamis and volcanic activity were not considered likely enough to warrant a write-up.

UNC created the plan after it received $339,088 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2006.

Ron Campbell, the coordinator of emergency management, said the plan will help the University prepare for severe weather.

“It comes down to the bottom line of prevention and safety,” he said. “Overall it is going to save dollars and lives.”

While the report focuses on disasters, Porto said UNC is still a safe place, especially relative to other areas.

“We have a good campus, and overall I think we are in one of the safest places in the state,” he said.

Other University officials at the public review applauded the plan.

“I think it’s a great job. We’ve been thinking about it and it is now formulating, putting a methodology behind the process,” said Mary Beth Koza, director of the Department of Environment, Health and Safety.

Porto said he hopes the Hazard Mitigation Plan will ensure campus buildings and infrastructure are regularly inspected and updated.

“This plan is by no means supposed to be a dead-end stop,” he said.



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.