Safe room to be displayed during Chester FD Kids Safety Fun Day

POMEROY, Ohio – The Meigs County Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency will have a “Safe Room” on display at the Chester Fire Department Kids Safety Fun Day on June 17, 2017 from noon to 3 p.m.

The safe room display model was developed by the Ohio EMA Mitigation and Recovery Branch to educate the citizens in Ohio on wind and tornado mitigation and preparedness.

The display model is an actual safe room which is produced for individuals to install underground at their business or residence for situations such as severe storms and tornados. It is designed to hold up to six occupants for two hours in case a hazardous weather situation would occur.

“A safe room can be a great asset to individuals in the area that don’t have a basement or another safe place to go during a severe storm or tornado” said Meigs County EMA Director Jamie Jones. “The weather in Ohio is unpredictable as many know and can change at a moment’s notice, so a safe place to go is essential.”

Over the past ten years Meigs County has experienced two tornadoes (Reedsville 2010 and Langsville 2017), the June 2012 derecho, and numerous other wind storms. Safe rooms could have been utilized by the citizens of Meigs County for safety and protection during these situations according to Director Jones.

Anyone wishing to see the safe room or wanting to learn more information on safe rooms, can attend the Chester Fire Department Kids Safety Fun Day, or contact Meigs County Emergency Management Public Information Officer, Brody Davis, at 740-992-4541 extension 2.