County emergency manager outlines plan to open library and community center during tornado warnings

Julie, the county emergency manager, presented draft messaging and operational details for designated public storm shelters in downtown locations and at the Prime West Health/Runestone Community Center.

Julie said the plan would keep exterior lower‑level library doors open during a tornado warning and that the county has a Knox box in place and electronic entry options under development. "The bottom line would be that the doors...to the library would be open during a tornado warning," Julie said. She explained the intent is to target residents who live above businesses, nearby visitors without basements and occupants of mobile home parks, RV parks and campgrounds.

Julie described coordination with partners—library staff, Prime West, the sheriff and county staff—and said staff are preparing to hand out finalized messaging to impacted populations once keys and procedures are in place. She clarified the activation trigger: the shelter policy will open sites when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning.

Why it matters: Many downtown residents and patrons of nearby lodging lack basements or other shelter; a pre‑arranged, staffed shelter with clear activation criteria can reduce confusion during severe weather events.

What’s next: Staff will finalize messaging and key access procedures (multiple redundancies were discussed) and continue coordination with partners, fire services and transit operators for emergency sheltering of vulnerable groups.