Video: A Storm Shelter At Nanih Waiya School

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WINSTON COUNTY, Miss.(WCBI)–In Winston County there is a groundbreaking ceremony for a storm shelter next to Nanih Waiya School.

Dirt is being turned at Nanih Waiya School, for whats going to be the first certified storm shelter in the county.

“Although Winston County does have a significant history of tornado impacts, we’ve yet to establish a shelter. Have lots of home shelters, but this will be the first community shelter,” said Buddy King/Winston County EMA Director.

The $1.3 million FEMA and MEMA approved project includes plans for moving an outdated school cafeteria thats being built next to the shelter.

The school system will pay for the cafeteria portion of the project.

The importance of having a large shelter at the school isn’t lost on parents in the tornado battered county.

“I’ve got a sophomore that is 16, a son. And then I’ve got a daughter that is a freshman who, just turned 15,” said David Luke/Winston County Parent.

In the event of severe weather these kids would be shut inside, away from the dangerous and often deadly elements. Luke and others feels they can rest a little easier now.

“As a parent it makes me feel really good knowing that we are going to have a facility like this, thats going to provide safety,” said David Luke/Winston County Parent.

“Faculty will be here with our kids in the facility to make sure they are safe. And for someone who is at work and unable to get to their children, they’ll have that peace of mind knowing their kids are safe,” said Mark Dillard/Winston County School Board.

“We are continuing to grow and look for ways to build and protect our community here in Winston County,” said Buddy King WC EMA Director.

The storm shelter should be finished and ready to be occupied by students the second semester of 2017.