County looks at tornado shelters

Pulaski County safety chairwoman Nikki Lowry said the recent tornado drill the county held went well, but the county needs to look into purchasing shelters. 
During a regular commissioners’ meeting Monday evening, Lowry said the courthouse, recycling center, EMS, annex building and highway department had 100 percent participation in the drill. The justice center did not participate. 
Lowry said during the critique of the drill it was discovered that the EMS building and recycling center are “vulnerable out there.” Because of that the safety committee is looking into the costs of a tornado shelter. 
The problem is the cost and that the shelters would need to be above ground because of flooding issues.
Maintenance director Jeff Johnston said at this point something needs to be done because there is no shelter in those two buildings and the highway department. 
Commissioner Larry Brady asked emergency management agency director Sheri Gaillard if there is any grant funding available for shelters. Gaillard said she hasn’t looked for grant funding yet but will. 
Lowry said the group is asking for guidance and whether they should look at prices and what will work best with each department. She used the example of the highway building where there is a meeting room and may need a bigger shelter than what would be needed at the EMS building. 
Commissioner Terry Young said there is a place in Cloverdale who sell shelters. 
It was suggested that the committee continue to look into the issue.