Whenever disaster strikes, there needs to be an individual trained to take charge and assist others during the emergency.

During the June 12 tornado, which threatened to hit campus, there was no one capable of asserting the authority, and the campers’ lives were endangered.

Lauren Royston, media specialist for Housing and Food, said campers are given a package detailing safety procedures in case of severe weather. It is their responsibility to lead campers to safety.

Campers and counselors who stayed in Couch Center said they were never given this safety package.

In the event of an emergency, is reading an emergency package going to provide someone with enough knowledge to relocate 500 people to a safe area?

Without some form of practice, it probably won’t.

According to Housing and Food, residents should take shelter in the basement or the elevator lobbies of floors two through six.

The policies in place at the dorms seem like they could be improved upon. Having students take shelter above ground isn’t the best idea, if the storm is strong enough.

Having basements that are not large enough to house its residents in emergencies is similar to the Titantic having too few lifeboats for all of its passengers – which was the case on June 12 when many campers were caught in the stairwell, trying to reach the basement.

The University needs to recognize the potential lack of safety for some students and organize a plan that is approved with the National Weather Center.

This plan should then be given to counselors, resident advisers and students who will be staying in the dorm in an orientation presentation.

The lives of the students who attend camps and for those who live in the dorm should be reassured of their safety by knowing there is an emergency plan for their living area.