Published: June 22, 2008 12:53 am            

Lessons learned: Hennessey using its new storm shelter

HENNESSEY — The community’s new storm shelter already has been used three times — and it’s not even finished yet.

“The first time we opened it there were about 50 people,” said Tiffany Tillman, town clerk and administrator. “The day there were tornadoes out west (May 24) there were about 200.”

At least two tornadoes touched down May 24 north and west of Hennessey, one causing millions of dollars of damage to a Seaboard Farms swine farm near Lacey.

“We don’t have seating yet. The contractor has not finished. We put some benches in there for the time being,” Tillman said.

The shelter is attached to the Hennessey Public Schools gym, which has created some concern.

“One thing is we need is to put doors on the gym. Kids like to run in there to play,” Tillman said, adding the gym is not storm-safe.

Tillman also discovered Friday morning the storm shelter is leaking during rainfall.

Though still faced with some issues, the shelter has overcome other problems that plagued it when first opened.

“We do have water and sewer now,” Tillman said.

Hennessey decided to build the facility after a deadly outbreak of tornadoes in May 1999. A May 3 tornado caused considerable damage in nearby Dover and killed one person.

“I think after the May 3rd tornadoes they saw a need, plus we’re using the school facilities, and they were expanding,” Tillman said.

The shelter also serves as a restroom facility for the gym.

“The bathrooms were located under the bleachers and were not handicap accessible,” Tillman said.

The shelter is not only for severe weather but can be used as a community room that can be rented.

Anyone with questions can call town hall at 853-2416.