View Talladega’s new storm shelter on Thursday
June 25, 2024
(Talladega, AL) The City of Talladega invites the community to view the new storm shelter at 548 Broadway Avenue on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.
The 10 X 32 foot shelter behind Fire Station 2 can accommodate up to 62 individuals and withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour. A similar shelter was also recently installed in Jemison Park.
“We are committed to doing all that we can to protect our residents,” said City Manager Derrick Swanson. “Given how quickly weather conditions can deteriorate, having a storm shelter is vital.”
Heavy Chevy owner Jayme Smith is excited about having a storm shelter nearby. “I have been worried about safety during storms. It relieves me so much to have a shelter in the area,” she said.
“Having a place to go during dangerous storms will provide peace of mind for residents who live in mobile homes or other housing where there might not be a safe, enclosed room,” added Mayor Ashton Hall. “As a Talladega native, I know that the city has never had anything like this before.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) identified 1,341 tornadoes in the United States in 2022. Of these, 31% occurred in three states: Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas.
During tornadoes, people are often advised to avoid rooms with windows and take cover on the lowest floor, in the smallest room, such as a closet or bathroom, or in an interior hallway. Unfortunately, many homes are entirely unsafe during tornadoes. The new storm shelter willprovide a much-needed safe place for residents.