By Staff
In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
This week, the City of Russellville opened two new storm shelters to help safeguard the city's residents against such devastation.
Thanks to the hard work of the city council, Fire Chief Joe Mansell, Police Chief Chris Hargett and county EMA Director Roy Gober, the city is in a better position to fend off severe weather.
Furthermore, we applaud the city's decision to open these facilities upon the issuing of a tornado watch, rather than a warning.
Tornado watches may last several hours, and more often than not, the residents who make their way to these shelters will find themselves there for hours on end. However, once a tornado warning is issued, it may be too late in many cases for residents to drive to the facility. For those who can make it, they will be driving in the worst part of the storm. We would like to thank the mayor and council, Chief Hargett, Chief Mansell and Roy Gober for all their work to make Franklin County a little safer. This was a step above and beyond what is required of their offices but it was a step we're all better off for them having taken.