HIGHLIGHTS:

• FEMA 361 / ICC 500 Compliant Community Safe Room
• Design Occupant Capacity: 589 Persons
• Wind Resistance: 250 MPH (EF-5 Tornado Rated
• Wind Exposure Category C
• Dual-Purpose Educational & Emergency Facility

PROJECT DETAILS:

The Shoals Community Tornado Shelter is a state-of-the-art life-safety addition that delivers critical protection for both the school district and the greater Shoals community. As only the second FEMA-funded school shelter in Indiana, the project represents an exceptional level of technical coordination and commitment to community resilience.

Funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the shelter is engineered to provide near-absolute protection during severe weather events. Designed in full compliance with FEMA 361 and ICC 500 standards, the structure is built to withstand EF-5 tornado forces with wind speeds up to 250 MPH and extreme debris impact, setting a high bar for resilient educational design. The facility was conceived from the outset as a dual-purpose asset. Beyond its emergency function, the addition integrates classrooms and support spaces that serve students daily, ensuring the building remains fully active year-round rather than standing idle between weather events. With a capacity of 589 occupants, the shelter provides a reliable and accessible refuge when it matters most.