Tornado Shelters could soon be required in new schools

City Councilor GT Bynum tells KRMG it is the right move to protect Tulsa children from possible tornadoes.

Oklahoma City has it in the works, so why not Tulsa?

Bynum says, “We always want to be careful we’re talking with the impacted parties before we put in place any sort of requirement like this.”

Over the last year, lots of discussions have taken place to try to have all schools retrofitted with shelters, but this would only impact new schools being built.

The requirement would come through changes to the building code.

Bynum says the number one factor in the decision has to be public safety.

Parents tell KRMG they agree.

A former teacher says, “In new schools, yes, of course they should build them. And then they need to go back and find somewhere in the old ones [to put them].”

The topic will be at the forefront of the city council meeting Thursday.

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