FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 9, 2009

MUW nears completion of DRU process, continues to seek public input

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Mississippi University for Women is still seeking public input as it enters the final phases of its Disaster Resistant University (DRU) process.

Recently, four public meetings were held on campus that allowed campus and community members a chance to ask questions and/or provide feedback on the university’s disaster plan. A draft copy of the plan can still be viewed at the Memorial Fant Library on the MUW campus until Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. A signature sheet will be available as well. The plan is also on the university’s DRU website at http://muw.edu/vpfa/dru.html.

“Gail Gunter, dean of libraries, came up with the idea of a public viewing/signing,” said Angela Jones, project coordinator. “She thought it would provide one more way to reach the public and I am appreciative to her for that.

In 2002, the United States Department of Homeland Security initiated the program. Administered by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the DRU Program assists universities and colleges to implement a sustained pre-disaster hazard mitigation program to reduce the overall risk to students, faculty, staff, facilities, surrounding community and research assets. The ultimate goal is simply a safer university.

“I appreciate the DRU Planning team for their assistance and guidance during the entire process. Because of their work, MUW now has a disaster plan.”  Jones added.

Once the plan is complete, it will be forwarded to MEMA and FEMA for review. Upon a positive review by these agencies, MUW will qualify for pre-disaster financial assistance to help initiate the mitigation actions outlined in the plan. The final phase of the plan includes implementation, adoption, monitoring and revising.