High School construction and renovation will improve storm shelter options

As spring arrives, Iowa thoughts often shift to thinking about severe weather. Another benefit of the high school construction and renovation project will be improved shelter options in the event of severe weather.

Currently the severe storm shelter plans include relocating students to hallways and the girls' physical education locker room.  This plan is essentially the same as it was before the ongoing renovation project. Principal Kim Sheppard said the high school recently completed a severe weather drill.

Once the high school project is completed there will be much more secure areas for shelter. Three areas will be designated in the future plans: the renovated physical education locker rooms, the new fitness room, and the new varsity locker rooms. These spaces should be able to accommodate about 1,000 people. Additionally, the design of the new spaces results in shelter areas that are rated much higher in terms of ability to withstand severe winds.