When Tropical Storm Allison barreled across the city three
years ago, it caused more than $100 million in damages to
the University of Houston.
Today, UH would sustain significantly less water damage
if another major tropical storm or hurricane were to strike
the metropolitan area.
University administrators say UH is now better prepared
to cope with major flooding and other related emergencies,
thanks to lessons learned from Allison.
“In a lot of ways, the campus has healed from Tropical
Storm Allison, but there are some issues that are still
being resolved,” said Dennis Fouty, associate vice
president for computing and telecommunication services,
one of many administrators who worked on the campus recovery
in the storm’s aftermath.
Dave Irvin, associate vice president for plant operations,
agreed.
“We’ve done numerous things since Allison to
ensure that we would be significantly better equipped to
handle any flooding problems or other related emergencies,”
Irvin said.
Irvin added that one of the most significant changes was
the decision not to build basements or storage facilities
underground.
From June 5 to June 9, 2001, Tropical Storm Allison dumped
37 inches of rain on the city.
The storm caused nearly $5 billion in damages in Harris
County. At UH, more than 90 of 105 buildings were damaged,
forcing administrators to close the campus.
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Emergency
Management Plan
Communication/Information Process
The University of Houston president or his designee is
the only person authorized to close the university.
Once the decision is made, UH faculty, staff and students
will be notified as quickly as possible through:
• Electronic mail
• UH home page at www.uh.edu
• UH Today Web site www.uh.edu/uhtoday
• UH OnCall (713) 743-2255
• Switchboard (713) 743-1000
• Voice mail
KUHT-TV (Channel 8) and KUHF-FM (88.7 FM) have agreed to
air emergency
information as soon as possible.
Area television stations, including Channels 2, 11, 13,
26 and 45, will be notified.
Local radio stations, including KLTN
(FM 102.9) and KTRH (AM 740), also will be notified.
For more information, visit the Emergency Information Resource
Guide at www.uh.edu/emergency/. |