For thousands of years mankind has been digging holes. Why not in Okalhoma Schools?

Both Briarwood and Plaza Towers Elementary Schools were built after the 1999 tornado in the vicinity of its path. The school board ignored the architects’ recommendation to include basement levels for storm shelters. The reason give was cost savings. It is currently believed that the engineers’ structural designs complied with the minimum standards of the International Building Code. However, in coming weeks, building inspectors will be examining the schools to check for structural flaws.

The citizens and taxpayers of Oklahoma should have the right to know that their childern are safe while in school. Above ground shelters are not adequate for protecting people from large, violent tornados which have historically been proven to occur in Oklahoma.

Regarding School Building Codes

Tornado Safety from the Storm Prediction Center