Where are shelters?

Realizing that many residences in the Pea Ridge area have private storm shelters, Pea Ridge Fire Chief Frank Rizzio and staff are assembling a data base of residential storm shelters located in the Pea Ridge Fire Department response area.

“The information will be useful if a tornado or other significant event occurs and extensive search and rescue operations are underway,” Rizzio said, adding that the information will be kept confidential, made only available to emergency responders as needed.

“If your family would like to take part in this preparedness, especially if there are special handicap needs, please call or email us,” Rizzio said.

The Fire Department may be contacted at 451-1111 or by e-mail at pearidge.[email protected].

Fire Chief Rob Taylor of Northeast Benton County Volunteer Fire/EMS Department said he and his staff had not discussed such a database, but said it would be helpful in time of emergency.

There is a community storm shelter in Pea Ridge on the high school campus which is unlocked when a tornado warning is issued.

News, Pages 1 on 06/05/2013