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Commission discusses pilot for electronic unlocking of storm shelters; chiefs raise concerns about verification and internet needs
Summary
Commissioners discussed a proposal to install an electronic unlocking mechanism at storm shelters controlled by 911; proposal would cost about $2,500 per shelter and requires high‑speed internet and a verification mechanism; some fire chiefs said they did not see the need and raised monitoring concerns.
Commissioner Perkins presented proposals for an electronic unlocking mechanism for county storm shelters that would allow 911 to remotely unlock doors with a push button. The proposal was discussed but not placed on the agenda for a vote.
Perkins said the system would replace mechanical key locks with an electronically controlled mechanism, would cost approximately $2,500 per shelter and would require high‑speed internet at each shelter and a monthly service fee. He said the original plan envisioned a pilot at a single shelter.
"They require high speed Internet at all the shelters in order to operate," Perkins said, noting the county would need to cover installation and any monthly connectivity costs. He also said he still had questions about verification of an unlock event and whether someone at 911 could confirm a shelter actually opened when the button was pressed.
Commissioner comments and interviews with fire chiefs raised practical concerns. One speaker said several fire chiefs did not view electronic unlocking as a pressing necessity, and others pointed out the need for a camera or other verification to confirm that a shelter had opened after a remote command.
County staff explained current local practice: shelters are often unlocked when the community is placed under a tornado watch, and many fire departments unlock their shelters when they judge that conditions warrant it. Officials said actual instances of misuse or unauthorized occupancy have been rare.
No formal vote or pilot authorization was recorded; commissioners asked for further information on costs, connectivity options and verification mechanisms before deciding whether to proceed with a pilot installation.
