Tupelo Schools To Build Storm Shelters

TUPELO, Miss. (AP) – The Tupelo Public School District will construct storm shelters at Joyner, Thomas Street and Carver elementary schools.

Money from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will pay 90 percent of the cost.

The school district is also working to place a shelter at Tupelo High School.

School officials say the safe rooms will be monolithic dome structures where students, staff and others could safely evacuate during a tornado. They will be built to withstand winds up to 250 miles per hour.

The three structures will cost about $2.05 million, with the district providing about $210,000.

Bids will be accepted on the shelters in three to four months.

Superintendent Gearl Loden says the shelters will serve as multipurpose facilities during the school day.