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Kansas has more than its share of tornados so most school officials are more aware than ever for the need to have a tornado shelter for students. That’s why Eric Stolfi from Storm Defense Shelters in Benton, KS was proud to install an above-ground Community Shelter for the Preschool program of UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 223 BARNES-HANOVER-LINN in Barnes, KS. Eric and the school Board officials feel very good about providing life-saving protection for these young students and staff.

Since USD223 is a relatively small school district located in northeastern Kansas, their preschool program meets in a manufactured building which leaves children and staff extremely vulnerable if tornados or severe weather threatens. They consulted with Eric to determine the best possible storm shelter and where to place it. Storm Defense Shelters offers many types of shelters, including multiple Community Shelters of various sizes.  Together, they agreed to install the School Storm Shelter in a nearby existing Quonset hut which already had a concrete pad.

The School Storm Shelter is tested to FEMA standards to withstand an EF5 Tornado, which is the most damaging tornado ever recorded. Texas Tech tests for safety by firing different construction materials through a pneumatic cannon to simulate wind speeds which can use simple materials like deadly missiles during a tornado.

There has been a growing movement to ensure student’s safety during tornados and severe weather. A big shout out to USD223  and their school board for being proactive and installing a FEMA tested shelter to protect their preschool students and staff. Pictured is Mark Oelschager, USD 223 Transportation. shaking hands with Eric Stolfi, Storm Defense Shelters.

Shaking HandsIf you are interested in finding out more about the possibility of protecting your students and staff with one of our Community Shelters, contact Storm Defense Shelters. Eric will be glad to work with you.