OCH used as shelter

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

— More than a hundred people went to the basement at Ozarks Community Hospital when a tornado warning was issued for the Gravette area, according to Jayna Cardetti of OCH.

The hospital had previously offered its facility as a storm shelter, as reported earlier in the Westside Eagle Observer.

Mayor Byron Warren said the city and the hospital will be working together in defining the rules for use of the facility. “Some persons brought pets,” Warren said, indicating that can be a problem.

Warren said a survey is being made to locate other shelter areas in Gravette in case they are needed.

Sirens Repaired

Several residents reported storm sirens did not work in at least two locations Sunday night, May 22. Warren said it was determined lightning had damaged two of the five sirens. They were repaired and tested Tuesday morning.

Tests are made on the system at noon on the first Wednesday of each month and at other times when malfunction is apparent. Citizens are reminded that when the sirens sound at odd times, for no apparent reason, it is to make sure they are working properly.

Citizens are also reminded that the sirens sound when recommended by an advisory from the Benton County Emergency Management Agency or when a tornado is verified by local storm spotters. They may sound more than once, depending on direction of the Agency.

No all-clear signal is issued. Warren said the present procedure is being researched and any changes will be publicized in the Eagle Observer and on the city’s website: cityofgravette-ar.com.

The city of Gentry also experienced a malfunction of one of its sirens during recent storms, but alerts from the new Benton County alert system were answered by 70 percent of area residents.

News, Pages 1 on 06/01/2011