Henry Co. Schools Getting New Storm Shelters
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HENRY CO. Tenn.,- When severe weather strikes Henry County school leaders said they are prepared. In a few weeks construction will begin on new storm shelters inside two Henry County elementary schools, that mimic an existing shelter built inside Lakewood Elementary. The shelter is designed to look like a hallway, and has FEMA storm doors in front of every teacher’s regular classroom door. School officials said when severe weather strikes, all students can walk into the storm ready hallways, lock the doors, and be safe. “By the end of the summer we should have both the city and the county schools all storm safe shelters,” Superintendent Sam Miles said. The walls can withstand 250 mph winds and debris impact from a 15 pound 2×4 traveling at 100 mph. “It’s something very important that all school systems should look into,” Jason Pirtle who helped design the shelter said. Once the construction is complete in the two other school, county officials said the three buildings will be open for the public after hours during severe weather events.
