New Scott County shelter to protect residents from unexpected tornadoes

A new tornado shelter in Scott County has been constructed to protect residents from unexpected disasters.

The shelter was built for the community of Stamping Ground and can house more than 90 people. It was constructed in response to an unexpected tornado that dropped in December of 2021.

Scott County Emergency Management director Michael Hennigan says it’s something the agency has been working to build since then.

“It's taken about a year and a half to get the current company, manufacturer, make sure we agree with the specifications that they were going to do, and then to go to the legal stuff, easements, site placements, and the things that are required,” Hennigan said.

Hennigan says it’s also important to develop a plan in case of weather emergencies.

“Be thinking about your tornado plan before the skies turn gray,” Hennigan said. “You don't want to be trying to come up with a plan while it's an emergency. Make sure the family all knows about what they're going to do, and then practice that occasionally.”

The shelter is self-sustaining and includes amenities like a bathroom and solar powered lights. A second shelter in Georgetown is set to be completed next month.

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