GRAVETTE -- Warmer weather has arrived and we are now at the peak of tornado season. It's important to have a shelter from the storm in case of an emergency. The residents of North Arkansas Senior Housing of Gravette Senior Complex and nearby neighbors are able to seek shelter in the safe room at the complex, located at 700 S.W. Irving Street in Gravette.
Immediately after a severe weather warning, the room is open and provides protection from winds up to 250 miles per hour, to include a tornado with F-4 magnitude. Anybody who is near the complex when the siren sounds is welcome to seek protection inside this safe room.
The construction of the safe room was made possible by a grant from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, with the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas covering the remainder of the cost. The Agency became concerned for the safety of the residents due to the number of severe storms and tornadoes that have occurred over recent years in the area.
The 762-square-foot room is designed to allow temporary shelter when there is a severe weather threat. The room is constructed with 10-inch steel-bar-reinforced sidewalls and an 8-inch similarly constructed ceiling and houses up to 90 people. A restroom, first aid equipment and bottled water are available for occupants.
With the Arkansas weather being so unpredictable, we are happy to offer this safe room as protection for residents, neighbors and anybody within 5 minutes of the complex. Housing Manager, Ralph Clemans encourages anyone interested in viewing the safe room to call him at (479) 344-6039.
The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas manages 13 complexes in a five county area -- Baxter, Benton, Carroll, Marion and Washington counties-all of which provide equal opportunity housing.
Community on 05/18/2016