Okla. gov.: Discussion needed about safe rooms
May 26, 2013, 1:19 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin says it will be important to have a “vigorous discussion” about providing safe places in schools.
Plaza Towers Elementary School was destroyed in Monday’s powerful tornado, and seven children died there. The suburban Oklahoma City school did not have a “safe room” in which teachers and students could seek protection.
Fallin said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that every school has “drills, plans” and things they should do to prepare for such storms.
The head of Oklahoma’s emergency management agency has said more than 100 schools have already received federal grant money for safe rooms, which have deep foundations, thick concrete walls and steel doors that can withstand strong winds.
Briarwood Elementary was also severely damaged in the storm, but there were no deaths.
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