Added: May 5, 2010

Author: vintonnews

Duration: 3:2

VINTON — A dream of Vintons former city coordinator came to life Saturday, as Don Martins widow, Donna Martin cut the ribbon on the Martin Community Shelter. The shelter is located on Vintons far west side, at 301 Q Avenue. It features an enclosed area with picnic tables, running water and countertop space atop a tornado-proof shelter capable of withstanding wind gusts of 250 miles per hour as well as missile impacts. Mayor John Watson said Don Martin, who preceded Andy Lent as Vintons city coordinator, was instrumental in getting the facility built in an area otherwise unprotected from severe storms. His dream was that it would be a place that we could use all year long, and in the case of an emergency it would be a safe haven for all the people in this area or whomever could make it out here if need be, Watson said. One of the things that he was always kind of tickled about was the fact that it was supposed to be able to withstand 3 or 400 miles per hour wind, and he always said if we have a storm like that, I hope Im in the basement of that building. Watson added that Saturdays ceremony was one of the happier events he has been a part of in recent years. Donna was emotional on a day when the building was dedicated in honor of her late husband. He always wanted the safety of the people of Vinton to be here, she said. The downstairs shelter will be unlocked by either Lent or Fire Chief Gary McKenna when a tornado warning is issued. A siren will sound advising residents that the shelter is open. Watson said the shelter is available for use by anyone who can get to it in the event of an emergency. It is stocked with basic first-aid supplies, a weather radio and an emergency cell phone for use by anyone trapped in the building. The building features emergency lighting that will come on if power goes out. There are currently no cots or chairs in the building, as it is expected to be used only for short periods of time, though Lent said the city may eventually bring a few in for those who cannot stand for a length of time. The $360,000 project was funded through FEMA, with a 20 percent city match. The contract itself went well, Watson said. It was good work and done on time. Im very happy with the completed project.

Channel: Education

Views: 23