Texas and Oklahoma lead the country in tornado activity, so it would make sense that universities in those states have thorough emergency weather plans of which all students are aware.

Director of Housing and Residence Life Craig Allen said resident assistants are supposed to place magnets on every on-campus refrigerator with information about tornado safety. Though these magnets do include useful information, most are overlooked or simply ignored by students living on campus.

Tornadoes are serious. They’re not about a few raindrops here and a soft clap of thunder there. Most deaths and injuries from tornadoes are caused by flying debris. As much as it should be in students’ best interests to have their own tornado plan, the university should make a better effort to prepare students for serious weather. The incoming freshman and transfer class should learn about what to do in the event of a tornado. Incoming students would find security in the fact that their school is prepared for such an event and wants to help each of them to be prepared, as well.

In the event of earthquakes, some schools have campuswide emergency plans consisting of designated meeting places for students after the disaster occurs. Though the university can’t be responsible for its many students living off campus, those who do need to know not only how to prepare for a disaster, but also what to do when the storm subsides.

While students still bare most of the responsibility for their actions during disasters, it would be a positive step for the university to take more responsibility by fleshing out a more detailed plan for every stage of a disaster.

Projects editor Courtney Jay for the editorial board.