Howard County, Indiana, and its primary city, Kokomo,have a history of facing violent tornadoes, notably including the infamous Palm Sunday tornadoes. Our community knows well the devastation these natural disasters can bring. In more recent years, tornadoes have once again threatened our homes and lives, and it's only a matter of time before another one strikes. To protect our citizens, it's imperative that we establish public storm shelters that are accessible to everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us.

Many areas in our community, including apartment complexes, mobile home parks, and schools, currently lack any form of storm shelter. This leaves our children, elderly, and all residents without a safe place to go in the event of severe weather. The absence of these shelters not only risks their safety but also undermines community resilience and preparedness.

The solution is clear and actionable: secure funding and necessary permissions to build and maintain storm shelters in strategic locations across Howard County. These shelters would serve as a sanctuary during emergencies, providing peace of mind to tens of thousands of residents.

Investing in public storm shelters is investing in the safety and future of Howard County. By implementing these measures, we can proactively avoid tragedies and preserve the well-being of all community members. Ensuring that everyone has a safe haven during a storm should be a top priority.

We urge our local government officials, community leaders, and policymakers to take immediate action. It's time to prioritize public safety and infrastructure resilience. Please join us in advocating for the construction of public storm shelters in Howard County by signing this petition. Together, we can protect our community and save lives.