Radford's Flooding Frenzy of 2003 Michael Beall | Guest Writer
| Published 12/12/03
Graphic By: Baudi Ratcliffe-Hollins
I understand that water does travel at stunning speeds, which at times
can catch people off guard. However considering Radford has a history of
flooding, administrators should have taken more actions and preparation
to prevent the loss of vehicles in Lot Z.
In the 22 years that Lot Z has been open, there has never been a more
damaging flood than the one that hit on Nov. 19. Other floods have
washed over Lot Z in the past, but proper notification was given so that
vehicles could be moved. However this was overlooked and created
devastating results.
Over 73 cars were declared totaled from this natural disaster, making
many students "car-less." Preparation for possible future flooding
should be taken seriously for this specific reason. Along with the
devastation and timing of this occurrence, many families are suffering
from significant costs prior to upcoming holidays.
From word of mouth across the Radford community, it is clear there are
many different attitudes toward the flooding of Lot Z. I understand that
we can not always physically control the powers of Mother Nature, but we
can prepare and set up programs, such as presentations for how to deal
with catastrophes of this nature. Many feel that Radford University is
not at fault, because they aren't a sewer or flood company. They
continue to stress that nature is unpredictable and can't be controlled
at all times.
Radford has prior experiences with the nearby Claytor Lake Dam, which
periodically releases water into the New River. This river is one that is
located parallel to Lot Z. At the time of these releases, the American
Electric Power Company communicates with Radford Police and declares how
much water will be dumped into the New River.
I find no excuse in not properly notifying students of the current
action taking place. Never once did the RA's huddle up a hall meeting or
express a concern of possible problems. Around 6 p.m. Radford Police
contacted the Director of Residential Life, notifying him of a possible
rise in water behavior due to the release. Word may have gotten out
earlier; however due to the high population of students, it wasn't
circulated soon enough.
Around 10:15 p.m. a student noticed floating cars, and the word finally
got out. Many students had night classes making them unaware of the
whole thing. I don't recall hearing any buildings being told to notify
students. Meanwhile, Radford Police started to gather up decal numbers
and then began to notify students directly. By that time Lot Z was
practically submerged underwater.
I find not only Radford Police and Radford University at fault but also
the Director of Residential Life. He should have called each RD of the
various buildings to make others aware of the situation. If this has
been an issue for 22 years, then there should be a prior flood plan
ready for deployment. The delays and miscommunications between students
and high staff made the flood of 2003 for Lot Z a costly and horrific
event to be remembered in the surrounding community of Radford, Va.
I think 22 years is adequate time to develop a plan to efficiently
notify students or to stop continuous events of flooding. I have heard
that this was the worse flood since the opening of Lot Z. I feel that
after the very first flood there should have been future planning made
to support and communicate with the entire campus in a timely manner.
After the flooding, I sense a feeling of carelessness in the hands of
administrators and directors. There were plenty of opportunities to
contact the students of possible destruction. After being notified of
water releasing, the Radford Police should have executed a decal
examination and should have immediately contacted students. Radford was
unprepared and did a horrible job of communicating with students.
Also the American Electric Power Company notified the University, like
it always does. However the school did not notify students but rather
sent the police as the middle-man. At the same time, students began to
notice the water rising and spread the news by word of mouth. Many ran
out their dorm rooms to Lot Z, only to find their cars in five feet of
muddy flowing water. Also the police blocked off the area, which
prevented students from moving their vehicles. Radford University is
responsible for this. They should not have allowed any more cars to be
damaged.
Floods are not always physically controllable, but damaged be suppressed
through proper tactics and decisive planning. My advice is to
re-evaluate the planning for this situation and make yearly assessments
of the plan.
___
Michael wants to be "Van Wilder."
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