CITY OF OWENS CROSS ROADS STORM SHELTER GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
COMMUNITY STORM SHELTER PURPOSE
A Community Storm Shelter is intended to save lives by providing a safe space that has been designed and constructed to resist the wind forces and debris impacts from a storm or event. Community Storm Shelters are generally intended to operate for a very limited time. In a scenario involving a tornado, a Community Storm Shelter may function for only a matter of hours. In most instances, evacuees should be able to return to their homes within a short time, or relocate to other housing. These Community Storm Shelters are not intended to be used as long-term storm shelters. A first aid kit, though, will be available in each Storm Shelter for minor injuries. If more extensive medical needs arise Emergency Medical Services will be called.
COMMUNITY STORM SHELTER LOCATION
Owens Cross Roads City Hall * 9032 Highway 431 South * Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION OF STORM SHELTER ACCESS
Local Emergency Services will contact the Community Storm Shelter Coordinator that a Tornado Watch or Warning has been issued for our community. The Storm Shelter will be open for community use during that time by the Storm Shelter Coordinator, Public Safety Personnel, or other appointed employees. The community will be notified in the following ways that the Storm Shelter is open: City of Owens Cross Roads Facebook Page, Owens Cross Roads Police Department Facebook Page, City Hall Digital Sign.
Please do not wait until you hear a tornado siren to travel to a storm shelter, or to another safe location. At that time, you should already be sheltered in place. Traveling during this time could put you in harm’s way.
COMMUNITY SUPERVISION
The Storm Shelter Supervisor or appointed personnel will be located at the entrance of the storm shelters to help get community members inside in a safe and orderly manner. They will instruct community members on where to assemble within the Storm Shelter as they arrive. Profanity, disorderly conduct, or disruptive behavior will not be allowed. The Storm Shelter Supervisor will monitor this and report to the necessary authorities, if needed. They will ensure that Community Storm Shelter occupants are receiving updated information about the storm, as they are able to get it. The Storm Shelter Supervisor will make sure the Storm Shelter doors are secured closed at such time it’s deemed necessary for the safety of the occupants. The doors cannot be reopened for any reason once they are shut until the all clear is given. The Storm Shelter Supervisor/Authorized Personnel will be in contact with the Local Emergency Services and will give the all clear to the community members when it is safe to leave. They will open the doors at that time.
NOTE: The fact that the sirens have stopped sounding is not an indication that the warning has ended. Sirens may sound several times based on the threat.
STORM SHELTER RULES
· The Storm Shelter will open to the public when an official alert is initiated by Local Emergency Services.
· Pets will only be admitted if they are crated.
· Weapons are prohibited in the storm shelters and on all City Hall property.
· Smoking or the use of tobacco in any form is prohibited in storm shelters and City Hall property.
· Alcohol and drugs (other than those prescribed by a doctor) are prohibited in storm shelters and on all City Hall property.
· No profanity, disorderly conduct, or disruptive behavior will be allowed in the Storm Shelter.
· Radios or music devices may be used only with individual earphones.
· Once you enter you must stay until the alert for our area has been lifted.
STORM SHELTER TIPS
· The seats are metal. Small cushions commonly used in football stadiums can add comfort.
· The shelter can be cool especially in fall and winter months. Bring a jacket if need be.
· Cell phone signals can be difficult for some. Radio reception is poor due to the metal skin of the shelter.
· The shelter does not have a restroom or sink. Plan accordingly.
· Small snacks and drinks with lids are fine.
· The shelter typically open during every Tornado Watch.
· The door handles take some effort to turn.
· During a thunderstorm, rain, wind, hail and people talking all add to the noise level inside. Your knock may not be heard. Knock loudly if you cannot get the door open. A blast of the car horn before getting out might help alert others as to your arrival.
· Explain to children that the shelter will be noisy and resembles a tunnel. Ear buds might help distract attention from said noise.
· Please remember to pick up your trash when you leave. We are proud to have a community shelter and want to keep it in clean and ready to go condition.