Some Texas Tech student not concerned by severe weather threat in Lubbock
By Tye Stewart
Some Texas Tech students say they are not concerned with the threat of severe weather in Lubbock.
Chris Corbin, a junior history major, said he grew up in West Texas and has dealt with severe weather for most of his life. He said he understands that severe storms are part of life and is amazed by the level of fear associated with them, but added that he still believes warning systems are a good idea.
“I’m inclined to say sirens are outdated, but I wouldn’t be opposed to there installation," Corbin said. "I don’t think just because someone’s poor or doesn’t own a T.V. their safety should be compromised."
Daisy Dominguez, a junior natural history and humanities major, said after moving from Northern California, she is amazed by West Texas weather. She said she loves the weather because it scares her, adding that she is still not concerned with it.
Dominquez added that warning systems are a good idea and believes Lubbock should install tornado sirens.
“I don’t listen to the radio or own a television, so a tornado siren would be crucial to me," she said. "The city should really educate kids about them at the elementary school level.”
Serena Sanchez, a junior art major, said the lack of tornado sirens in the city is a good idea. She said they could be used to cause a city wide panic in the event of a terrorist attack, adding that existing warning systems get the message across.
"Old people would be notified because they watch the news, " Sanchez said. "Young people are more internet based. A cell phone warning system would be a good thing.
“I just don’t think a lot of Tech students are going to be in front of a T.V.”
Many students agree that Texas Tech has a good system in place to warn students of severe weather.
Sanchez said all students should sign up for the emergency alert system not only for severe weather, but for all possible emergencies.
“People need to be warned in a more personal fashion," she said. "Text, T.V., Radio, and the Internet are all good ideas. With a text system they can send out everything from storm warnings to class cancellations for snow and things like that."
Dominguez said the university has an excellent system in place to warn students. She said campus police warning students with loud speakers and alerting students with text messages are great ideas.
"The Tech system is great. It really makes me feel safer," she said. "It makes me feel like they care."