PUC earns StormReady status

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Jim Allsopp (center) of the National Weather Service’s Chicago office, recently presented a StormReady University Certification Sign to Purdue University Calumet Chancellor Thomas Keon. | Photo provided

Purdue University Calumet has become certified as a StormReady University.

According to the university, the certification represents increased preparedness for extreme weather, improved safety programs and stronger lines of communication between Purdue Calumet and the National Weather Service. Securing StormReady University certification required application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The certification included training of Purdue Calumet personnel as basic storm spotters.

Nearly 50 university staff members participated in campus training.

“Becoming a StormReady University increases our value to the university community and increases the services we offer Hammond residents,” Purdue Calumet Chief of Police Anthony Martin Sr. said.

Jim Allsopp, warning coordination meteorologist with NOAA’s National Weather Service Chicago office, conducted the training. Allsopp is a liaison between the National Weather Service and other federal, state and local government agencies and organizations dealing with hazardous weather preparedness.

StormReady University certification is an initiative that began 10 years ago following a tornado in Arkansas, according to Allsopp. The certification program supports the National Weather Service’s primary mission to save lives, protect property and promote the nation’s economy through weather warnings and forecasts.

Becoming StormReady University-certified complements a nearly $500,000 emergency preparedness grant Purdue Calumet received in 2010 from the U.S. Department of Education.

Purdue Calumet joins Purdue University at West Lafayette and Valparaiso University as Indiana’s only certified StormReady Universities.