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November 7, 2009

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Tazewell County Board Members Concerned about Storm Shelters

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Jun 3, 2009 at 9:25 PM CST

Story Updated: Jun 18, 2009 at 11:56 AM CST

This season's severe weather has some Tazewell county board members concerned about the lack of storm shelters in county buildings.

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Tazewell County Board member John Ackerman says these facilities in Tremont do not have any functioning storm shelters.

He said the buildings, where nearly 130 employees work daily, don't have basements, and most of them are made out of thin walls and siding.

He wants the county to start thinking of ways to keep employees safe in case of a severe storm or tornado.

"it is very very dangerous, in a storm, some of our employees say when there is a storm, their plants move so it isn't the conditions we want for our employees, I think what the cure could be is as simple as putting in some storm shelters nearby each of the buildings." Ackerman said.

Ackerman says the county is considering building a storm shelter in the future Service Bay Building, but there are still several other buildings at the Tremont facility more than 100 yards away.

View Oldest Comments First

Friday, Jun 5 at 3:31 PM topdog2 wrote ...

If John would ask, he would have been shown the 3 or 4 below ground units, yes there is not enough shelter for everyone, but then where in Illinois is there, common sense is the answer to keep Storm Safe. Of course there are guild lines, no do it your self to build a shelter for public employees, cost money, etc. COMMON SENSE, that is a shelter in its self.

Thursday, Jun 4 at 7:27 PM Big Dog wrote ...

The county board is working on this problem. This the usual John Ackerman approach to get some press coverage for himself, watch for future hot air from this board member.

Thursday, Jun 4 at 5:12 AM Bob wrote ...

What brings this on all of a sudden? They should have thought about this a long time ago. Like when the buildings were built to start with. I could show them how to save money by doind it themselves. But "O" I am sorry that can't be done you have to spend a lot of money to someone who does a study first then a contractor to build it. All or fine government at work again.

Thursday, Jun 4 at 4:34 AM jk wrote ...

Why don't you just ask Obama for funds. Better yet, what makes county workers more important than me? Bailout funds (SPEND SPEND SPEND) for everyone to get a shelter!

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