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Alderman asks why shelters aren’t opened for tornado watches; mayor describes EOC procedure
Summary
Alderman Edward asked why Dyersburg does not open storm shelters during tornado watches. Mayor Perkin said the Emergency Operations Center continuously monitors weather, opens shelters when warnings arrive, and that sirens are triggered automatically by the National Weather Service.
Alderman Edward asked the board May 4 why the city’s storm shelters are not opened when a tornado watch is issued, saying some residents expect shelters to open when conditions are favorable. "I've had a couple people ask me why we don't open our storm shelters when the watch comes out," Edward said.
Mayor Perkin responded that the city monitors weather at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and that the shelter team is activated when conditions warrant. "We monitor the weather at the EOC... When that comes out, it automatically triggers our software to sound the sirens," Perkin said, referring to tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service. He described staff who watch multiple screens and local shelter teams who open specific facilities when needed.
Perkin said in his 12 years he has seen no operational hiccups in the city’s approach but invited aldermen to visit the EOC to see the technology and procedures firsthand.
What’s next: Aldermen expressed interest in reviewing shelter staffing and costs if the city considers opening shelters on watches instead of waiting for warnings.
