Anniston Star
October 10, 2003

5 Talladega County schools’ shelter-in-place rooms ready

By Jenny P. Taylor
Star Staff Writer
10-10-2003

Shelter-in-place rooms are ready at area schools, including Lincoln Elementary, Drew Middle, Lincoln High, Munford Elementary and Munford High.

The rooms, finished by the Army Corps of Engineers, are intended to safeguard against any poisonous chemical agents that might be released in an accident at the Anniston Army Depot’s chemical weapons incinerator.

“The No. 1 concern is the safety of our schoolchildren,” said Jeff Goodwin of the Talladega County Board of Education. He said the Talladega County Emergency Management Agency has worked diligently with the school system to ensure that all appropriate safety measures have been taken.

Students and staff at the schools also could use the sheltering function if hazardous materials were spilled along nearby roadways or train tracks.

Talladega County’s EMA requested the Anniston Chemical Demilitarization Facility not begin full operations until the school shelters were completed. The EMA and Army reached an agreement that was safest for the children and staffs of each of the schools, officials said.

The EMA will work with the schools to train students and staff how to take shelter.

Director Nelson Bates said he hopes parents will cooperate if the shelters are ever activated. Once shelters are sealed, they will not be opened until the all-clear signal is given.

For more information, call the Talladega County EMA at 256-2125 or areyoureadygoema.com