SIU – With the May 2009 derecho that caused nearly $9 million in damage to facilities, research and grounds on campus still a vivid memory for many, the National Weather Service on Wednesday will recognize Southern Illinois University Carbondale for its proactive response to emergency management storm preparedness. The university will receive recognition by the agency as a StormReady university in a ceremony at 9 a.m. on campus. The event will be at the intersection of Saluki Drive and Douglas Drive, southwest of the SIU Arena, in a grassy area adjacent to one of the university’s eight emergency warning speakers. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be in the SIU Arena Stadium Club. The StormReady designation shows SIU Carbondale has taken “much initiative” toward the safety of students, faculty and staff, said Rick Shanklin, acting meteorologist in charge with the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky.
