Severe Weather Safety: Storm Shelters Available in Tennessee Valley

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As severe weather approaches the Tennessee Valley, locals have access to multiple emergency shelters. WAFF reports that confirming these locations with local Emergency Management Agencies (EMA) is crucial. Residents can call various EMA offices to ensure shelter availability as inclement weather approaches.

The EMA offices include: 256-427-5130, 256-232-2631, 256-574-9344, 256-571-7329, 256-845-8569, 256-351-4620, and 256-612-1781. Each town and county may offer designated storm shelters, functioning when severe weather strikes.

Lauderdale County shelters specifically open only during Tornado Watches. It’s recommended that individuals familiarize themselves with their closest safety options ahead of adverse weather conditions.

“You should have a safety plan and have multiple ways to receive warnings,” says a spokesperson for the National Weather Service (NWS). Following extensive tornadoes in recent years, preparedness has become more critical than ever.

According to NOAA, severe thunderstorms result in more than 22,000 reports of high winds, wind damage, and hail across the United States annually. This far exceeds the number of tornadoes, leading to increased vigilance during severe weather warnings.

Weather experts caution against relying solely on external warning systems such as sirens, leading to potential complacency about indoor safety. “It’s important to monitor weather alerts and have a fully charged phone ready to receive notifications,” they advise.

Residents are urged to take shelter immediately upon receiving tornado warnings. Experts note that severe storms can evolve quickly, demanding rapid responses to ensure safety. “Don’t wait to see ominous clouds; head to safety right away,” they recommend.

In light of recent tragedies involving tornadoes flattening manufactured homes, officials advise residents to relocate to sturdy buildings or community shelters during severe weather. Historical data indicates that manufactured homes account for a disproportionate number of tornado fatalities.

Marshall County EMA Director Blake Farmer emphasized the importance of preparation: “Have a plan, gather emergency kits, and ensure your devices are charged. Being prepared can be a matter of life and death.”

The NWS warns of potential severe weather, predicting risks of tornadoes from late Thursday through Saturday in the Tennessee Valley. Communities are advised to stay informed and make safety arrangements as conditions may lead to property damage and life-threatening situations.