Council approves volunteer program to manage storm shelters during severe weather

The Atoka City Council approved a plan to recruit and authorize volunteers to manage designated storm shelters during severe weather events.

Emergency Management staff described recurring problems when public shelter locations — the cafetorium at the middle school and an old football‑field building — were unlocked: volunteers or staff occasionally found vandalism, unattended school property, and unsecured doors. Emergency Management proposed a small pool of volunteers who would be trained, carry radios and keys, and be asked to unlock and re‑secure shelters only when necessary. “The building takes a direct hit from a tornado…who’s responsible if that stuff gets stolen?…I would like to see volunteers that could set up the door, and their only job is to make sure all the school stuff stays in there,” the emergency official said.

Council members asked about liability, pet rules and whether the schools permitted volunteers. Staff said the schools generally allow only service animals inside and that any formal volunteer program would be coordinated with the school superintendent. The council approved the motion and instructed staff to recruit roughly six to nine volunteers, define duties and provide the training and equipment (radios, keys, flashlights) necessary to manage the shelters and safeguard school property during shelter activations.

The council noted volunteers would be called only when a watch or warning made opening shelters necessary; staff emphasized organizers would seek volunteers who already participate in emergency response (firefighters, others) to ensure experience and reliability.