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Emergency Management

Mitigation

Mitigation is a deliberate effort to eliminate a hazard or reduce the negative impacts from identified hazards. Examples of current University mitigation activities include:

  • Insurance: If a major loss event occurs, insurance will soften the financial impact
  • Sprinklers: If a fire breaks out, building sprinklers will activate and attempt to extinguish the fire, thus minimizing loss
  • Safety Window Film: Some building windows are covered in a protective film that helps prevent storm debris from entering the building
  • Shelters: We have surveyed campus buildings to identify spaces most suitable to protect building occupants during a high wind or tornado event
  • Building Codes: The University researches and adheres to applicable building codes, which are written to help sustain the building during natural hazards such as storms, flooding and fires

In 2016, the University applied for and received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop the University's first Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan identifies the natural-caused hazards facing the University, a risk assessment of the hazards, and specific projects to mitigate each hazard. Illinois State University is the first University in Illinois and one of the few in the nation to have such a plan. The final draft was completed in Spring 2018 and was submitted to the State of Illinois and FEMA for review. It was formally approved and adopted in April 2018.