Thursday, June 26, 2008

Citizens May Again Use City Hall As Storm Shelter

   Lawrenceburg residents concerned about a place to take cover when inclement weather strikes should be aware that the Lawrenceburg City Administration Building will once again be open during these times as an official shelter.

   Although city hall had been designated as an officials storm shelter for many years, some questions arose in past weeks when residents came to city hall with a tornado bearing down upon the city, only to find that the southwest door to the basement was locked. Since it was during business hours they were able to get an employee to allow them into the now-restricted area. 

   Officials opted to move city computer servers to a secured area in the basement some weeks ago in the wake of problems experienced by other cities. Some had reported computer servers were stolen or tampered with. Since the basement area is a secured area with limited access, they felt it prudent to move the servers to that area to provide the greatest security. What they failed to realize was that the increased security measures would hamper residents seeking refuge.

   In order to rectify the situation City Administrator William McLain has coordinated protocols for storm usage with key officials. He explained during a business meeting Thursday that the basement door will now be open when weather becomes threatening enough for the siren warning system to sound.

   When weather becomes that severe, McLain explained, officials with Lawrence Central Dispatch will notify members of the Lawrenceburg Fire Department to sound the siren system. They will then notify the Shift Manager at the Lawrenceburg Police Department, so that that individual may quickly unlock the shelter door. The door will be unlocked, McLain pointed out, only when the siren sounds.

 

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