Hurricane class teaches life lessons

By: Preston Rudie

Tampa, Florida - Following Hurricane Katrina, tens of thousands of people found refuge in emergency shelters. But setting up these temporary quarters take planning, communication and execution — all skills that are now being taught in a new USF class.

The six-week summer course is called Hurricane Research Experience for Undergraduates and it takes a practical look at hurricane preparations and recovery.

Dr. Jennifer Baggerly, USF Professor:

"No, it's not the typical college course. It's much more exciting and I think much more meaningful because it's applied learning, applied research."

This week, one of the guest instructors includes John Lee from the American Red Cross. Lee explains to students how emergency shelters are set up and rules that need to be enforced in order for things to run smoothly.

Shon Atkins, Student :

“What I've discovered is that like with the situation in Katrina, there are some very vulnerable populations in our community and what we need to do is find those people, make sure that they're getting the information and that they know what to do before, during and after the storm.”

The class has already included a trip to the National Weather Service office in Ruskin and soon the group will tour the Hillsborough County Emergency Management Office as well as Tampa Bay 10's weather center.

USF officials say it's likely this will not be the only time Hurricane REU is offered. Dr. Baggerly says she'd like it to become an annual course.