HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —
In the case of severe weather, the most important thing is to seek safety right away.
With COVID-19 concerns high, people can be worried about heading to a storm shelter. What if you don’t have a mask? What if you can’t keep 6 feet apart?
We caught up with Madison County officials to see if there’s anything that would keep people from being able to seek shelter during this pandemic.
Phil Vandiver is a Madison County Commissioner with District 4. He tells us, “There’s no policy changes. We’re going to try to get everyone in there that can get in there. We’d love for you to have a mask on. But, it’s not mandatory for you to have a mask.”
Nobody is required to be wearing a mask or any other PPE to enter a storm shelter. And of course, you won’t be turned away at the door.
Madison County District 4 has three shelters. The newest is at Bobo Volunteer Fire Department. The other two are in the Harvest Community on Wall Triana Road and a another shelter off of Lockhart Road.
Vandiver says it never hurts to be prepared. He adds,“I think it’d be a good idea to have a mask, maybe even bring some rubber gloves to protect yourself this time. We’re dealing with a virus that has the potential to be a deadly virus. So we want to make sure everybody can be as safe as possible.”
At the end of the day, the most important thing is getting to the shelter as soon as you can. The District 4 Bobo Fire Department has medical assistance if you need it. Vandiver tells our reporter, “They have EMT’s there. They can take care of anybody. Then they can make sure they’re safe. So, that’s a great combination to have them together like that.”
We’re told none of the district 4 storm shelters are pet-friendly at this time to maximize room for all who need to take cover.
Making a plan with your family and identifying safe places in your home, in case you can’t reach a shelter, can make all the difference.
Vandiver says, “Have you a plan. Have your family ready to go. Let them know where they need to be and where you expect everyone to meet at the end of the storm.”
REMEMBER: Storms and tornadoes pose the most immediate threat. Always do what you can to keep yourself and your family safe, and seek shelter.
For a list of more local shelters click here.