Do Tennessee Schools Need Underground Storm Shelters?
A heartbreaking part of the Oklahoma tornado is hearing about the deaths of children. Several kids were killed inside their school. It's drawing attention to safety in our own school buildings.
The people at National Storm Shelters in Smyrna are in the business of saving lives. Jeff Turner's company sells steel shelters for homes, but he is also familiar with construction techniques that make buildings stronger -- buildings like your child's school.
"A cinder block wall filled with concrete and rebar, but not only that, but bricked on both sides. (Those walls) will withstand 100, 150, 200 mph projectiles," says Jeff Turner with National Storm Shelters.
Strong walls with no windows often provide the best protection in schools. Metro consults with architects to find safe areas, and students have tornado drills at least twice a year. Rooms like gymnasiums should be avoided because they are large open spaces. While building a giant safe room may be impractical, basements are always a good option. FEMA also helps provide funding for community storm shelters.
Metro School leaders say masonry construction offers strong protection. "You are going to be safer inside than outside, and safer in a school than in most homes. We really want to keep these (children) safe and in school," says Meredith Libbey with MNPS.
Regardless if it's a storm shelter or a strong hallway, Oklahoma's tornado offers everyone a lesson -- that it's best to be prepared. Metro School leaders say many parents may be tempted to pick up their children during a tornado warning, but the school policy is to keep children inside the building until the warning has passed.
John Dunn
For news updates follow National Storm Shelters on twitter @NSS_Shelters
Visit http://www.nationalstormshelters.com for emergency preparedness information.
WZTV FOX 17 - Tuesday, May 21 2013, 07:34 PM CDT
