2008 Woodie Awards
Hendrix Prepared to Weather a Twister
Brad Howard
Issue date: 4/14/06 Section: News
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Earlier this month, one of the worst tornado outbreaks swept through the central plains of the country, including Arkansas where, since March, several million dollars worth of damage has been caused by tornadoes. As storm season is now in full force, the question must be asked, "Is Hendrix prepared for a major catastrophe, such as a tornado?
"Absolutely," Dr. Joyce Hardin, vice president of student affairs, said "We have an Emergency Response Team that consists of staff across campus who respond to an emergency situation."
Considering over the past two months that Benton County in northwestern Arkansas has been declared a disaster area and the city of Marmaduke in the northeastern part of the state was essentially wiped out by a twister, there is a strong possibility Hendrix could be next.
Part of the College's contingency plan is preparation. In fact, the College has hosted live drills, as many Couch residents discovered two years ago when they were awoken to the wailing sirens of emergency vehicles and the noise of busy emergency medical officials. That particular live drill's scenario, according to Hardin, was a tornado hitting Couch Hall.
Most students, especially those in the traditional residence halls, feel secure during such storms. However, some residents are worried.
"When I lived in Veasey I felt really safe and secure," sophomore Katy Kirk said. "Now that I'm in the houses, I don't have an RA nearby and that's not as comforting. And, I don't think the houses are that secure or sturdy. I know I wouldn't stay; I'd probably go to Martin or Hardin."
However, most on campus cannot remember the last time a tornado has ever actually hit the College. But, Conway has not been so lucky. In fact, in the Profile's second issue, the "Remember When" column by Dr. Garrett McAinish, he talks about Hendrix's reaction to a tornado that hit the city in 1965. Hendrix students came out in droves to help, donate supplies, and open Grove Gymnasium to help house the people who had no home to return to. As well, a tornado touched down in Conway in January 1999, seriously injuring six people and another twister killed a motorist traveling between Russellville and Conway just this past year.
"Absolutely," Dr. Joyce Hardin, vice president of student affairs, said "We have an Emergency Response Team that consists of staff across campus who respond to an emergency situation."
Considering over the past two months that Benton County in northwestern Arkansas has been declared a disaster area and the city of Marmaduke in the northeastern part of the state was essentially wiped out by a twister, there is a strong possibility Hendrix could be next.
Part of the College's contingency plan is preparation. In fact, the College has hosted live drills, as many Couch residents discovered two years ago when they were awoken to the wailing sirens of emergency vehicles and the noise of busy emergency medical officials. That particular live drill's scenario, according to Hardin, was a tornado hitting Couch Hall.
Most students, especially those in the traditional residence halls, feel secure during such storms. However, some residents are worried.
"When I lived in Veasey I felt really safe and secure," sophomore Katy Kirk said. "Now that I'm in the houses, I don't have an RA nearby and that's not as comforting. And, I don't think the houses are that secure or sturdy. I know I wouldn't stay; I'd probably go to Martin or Hardin."
However, most on campus cannot remember the last time a tornado has ever actually hit the College. But, Conway has not been so lucky. In fact, in the Profile's second issue, the "Remember When" column by Dr. Garrett McAinish, he talks about Hendrix's reaction to a tornado that hit the city in 1965. Hendrix students came out in droves to help, donate supplies, and open Grove Gymnasium to help house the people who had no home to return to. As well, a tornado touched down in Conway in January 1999, seriously injuring six people and another twister killed a motorist traveling between Russellville and Conway just this past year.