It’s not practical to outfit county storm shelters with food and water, Emergency Management Director Jason Trego told commissioners on Tuesday.
His research into the matter follows a request from a resident, who was concerned that if a tornado hit, residents could be trapped in the shelter without food or water.
This spring, the county installed six storm shelters in small communities without access to such protection.
Those shelters are situated in places that could be easily accessed by residents in those communities. But that also means they are exposed to the elements and subject to extreme changes in temperature.
“Long-term, shelf-stable food and water is meant to be kept in a cool, dry place. Going from one extreme to another is not conducive to a long shelf life. Even canned water that’s supposed to last 50 years will degrade very quickly under those conditions,” Trego said.
Plus, the shelters are unlocked and open to the public. That could make items susceptible to theft or rodents.
Trego offered assurances to residents who are concerned about being trapped in the shelters: If there’s an emergency, shelters would be the first place first responders check. Rescue efforts would begin as quickly as conditions allow. They would also provide food and water as needed.
Trego also suggested anyone who is concerned about being stuck in a shelter without food and water should pack an emergency “to go” bag and keep it close to a door or somewhere it could be quickly accessed in an emergency.
He suggested a backpack filled with water bottles and snacks such as granola bars would be ideal in such a situation.
ARPA update
An updated look at the county’s plan to spend $2.4 million in federal relief money shows there’s just $11,827 left but another $85,438 in additional requests.
Thrive Allen County offered an updated report that outlined all the various expenses paid or obligated. The county still has until 2024 to decide how to use the money and until 2026 to spend it, but nearly all of it has already been promised.
The majority of the money is going to two projects: a communications tower for $875,000 and infrastructure improvements to the airport for $968,965 for a total of $1.844 million.
Another $251,960 paid for the six storm shelters, $103,226 went to Rural Water District No. 2 for improvements to their infrastructure, and $96,101 will go to Thrive for an administrative fee.
All of those projects total $2.295 million.
