Safety from the Storm

Like most Americans, I have watched with anguish the tragedy that hit the town of Moore, Oklahoma this week. Like many, I found myself asking why there weren't safe areas for our children. After all, Oklahoma is in the center of tornado alley. We know these storms are coming eventually. We know they can be devastating. We know that the safest place to be in order to survive a tornado is below ground in a storm bunker. Despite all that we know, people still die.

As I watched NBC Nightly News on Tuesday evening, I watched a report on this very issue. Most houses in this area (the delta of Arkansas included) do not have basements because of the clay in the soil. The soil composition would lead to lots of flooding and mold in traditional basements. To install a small secure room (either above or below ground) can cost $3,000-$5,000. Many families in the Midwest struggle just to make ends meet; the expense of a storm shelter is not an option.

I was hopeful to learn that many of the newly constructed schools include safe rooms that are able to withstand the high velocity winds associated with these storms. In order to add a sufficient safe room to an existing school will cost the district around $1 million. Even though there may be assistance from federal and state agencies, the money is simply not there.

Obviously there is not an easy solution to the situation. I don't have the answer. Neither do our government officials. Even though there is not an obvious answer, I think it's time that we as a nation begin to ask the tough questions that lead to a solution. Our citizens on both coasts are generally equipped with structures that can withstand hurricane force winds and earthquakes. Those living in the interior sections of the nation deserve and want the same level of security.