On 9th tornado anniversary, residents look toward safer future
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NEWBERN, Tenn. — On the Thursday anniversary of one of the town’s most deadly storms, residents planned on how they can save lives in the future. On April 2, 2006, the mayor of Newbern said 16 lives were lost during an EF3 tornado. The names of the victims are carved in a stone memorial in front of the train station, and 16 trees were planted to symbolize each life. The city of Newbern is nearing completion of its safe room. The mayor said the building costs about $1.2 million with about 95 percent of that cost coming from a FEMA grant. “[It will provide] 7,800 square feet that can be used as a tornado shelter and earthquake shelter in case of the devastation,” Mayor Olen Parker said. The shelter is near the Newbern Elementary School and has a tunnel connecting the two structures so in case of emergency students can be safely transported to the safe room. Dr. James Flat said he lost three relatives during the 2006 tornado — his cousin and his cousin’s two children. He said he appreciates the proactive stance the city is taking toward future potential disasters. “Because there are those in this immediate area that would not have protection otherwise,” Flat said. The mayor said the safe room should be completed by mid June, and they already are planning on building a second shelter closer to the downtown area.
