Ashland keeping track of where people take shelter from storms

As we prepare for a new season of severe weather, we talk to Ashland city officials about their storm shelter registry program. The idea for the registry was largely prompted by the deadly Joplin tornado in 2011. It allows authorities to know where exactly they need to check for people in shelters after a storm hits.

Authorities say the information on residents’ storm shelters is kept confidential.

“It’s not an invasion of privacy,” said police chief Lyn Woolford. “We don’t share the information with anybody. It’s kind of like a smart 911. The info is available should we need it, otherwise it’s kept safely secure.”

“It’s something that doesn’t cost the city anything but provides an immense need if one ever arises,” said Ashland alderman George Elliott.