Wed Sep 18 14:22:00 UTC 2024: ## Smiths Station Breaks Ground on New Community Safe Room
**Smiths Station, AL (September 16, 2024) –** The City of Smiths Station took a significant step towards increased community safety on Monday with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new community safe room. The event marked a culmination of efforts that began following the devastating 2019 tornado which tore through Lee County.
The new storm shelter, located behind the Smiths Station Government Center, is expected to cost nearly $2 million, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) covering the majority of the cost. Construction is expected to be completed within a year.
The shelter will be a massive 5,000 square foot facility capable of holding 515 people and is designed to withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour. “It’s like a roll cage,” explained Eddie Culpepper, the project manager and grant manager for the shelter project. He emphasized the shelter’s robust construction using 12-inch CMU blocks, rebar, and poured concrete. One unique feature is a designated area for latecomers to enter the shelter without exposing those already inside to the elements.
Smiths Station Mayor Richard Cooley expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “At one point, I had to live in a mobile home, and I always had to break and run for a more dependable structure,” he said. “Now folks can go to a place like this that will take a pretty sizable storm to do any damage or cause any injury.”
Lee County Emergency Management Agency Director Rita Smith underscored the urgent need for this type of shelter. “We’ve relied on the faith-based community in the past, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, they are no longer able to offer the same level of support.”
The new safe room was a direct result of the 2019 tornado that claimed 23 lives in the Beauregard community. While Smiths Station itself did not see any fatalities, the storm caused significant property damage. Smith stated that even before the 2019 disaster, former Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland had been advocating for a community shelter, but the city lacked the necessary funding until they received a grant following the tornado.
“It will save lives,” stated Smith. “If people will take heed and come to the shelter when a watch is issued, it will save lives.”
Cooley shared plans to utilize the building for more than just emergency shelter. He envisions it as a multi-function facility, hosting public hearings, special events, and other gatherings throughout the year.
This new community safe room represents a major investment in the safety and well-being of Smiths Station residents, providing a much-needed resource in the face of future natural disasters. The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone in the city’s journey towards stronger and more resilient community preparedness.
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