Heavy rains draw mixed opinions on storm management

Early last week, IU students saw heavy rain for 36 straight hours, a situation that caused problems for Bloomington residents.\n“I stepped into a grassy area, and my entire foot sank into the mud,” said sophomore Meagan Mabrey. “I was soaked.” \nThe onslaught of precipitation brought about differing opinions about Bloomington’s preparedness for heavy rain situations.\nSeveral students said the IU campus has problem areas when it comes to rain and drainage. \n“The grassy part over at Tulip Tree (Apartments) got really bad,” freshman William Gu said. “My friend couldn’t get across the street to the bus stop.”\nHowever, John Hooker, director of Monroe County Emergency Management, said the campus has no major problem areas. \n“Monroe County doesn’t really flood that much because we only have one river that touches the northwest part of the county,” Hooker said. “If it overflows, it just goes into the farm fields.”\nSome students said they agree with Hooker.\n“I live in Eigenmann, and I never have issues,” freshman Emilee Mabrey said. “I feel like I’m always walking uphill, and I’m thinking that it’s for the drainage.” \nTo be sure that IU students can get around campus without rain delays, the Monroe County Emergency Management team works hand in hand with the IU Risk Management team and listens to conference calls from surrounding cities to be sure the necessary precautions are taken to prevent any major flooding or damage, Hooker said. Its mission is to create and maintain an emergency management program that helps prepare, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters impacting the public, government and business es of Monroe County, according to the team’s Web site.\nThe Monroe County Emergency Management team will hold a storm class on Friday at Bloomington Hospital, which will help educate the community about precautions to take and safety tips to follow during severe weather.