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For Immediate Distribution | October 24, 2023 | media@tdem.texas.gov
Texas Division of Emergency Management's Storm Shelter Program Featured on ‘Around Texas with Chancellor John Sharp’ TV Show
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The work by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to provide hazard mitigation funding for tornado shelters is highlighted in the latest episode of Around Texas with Chancellor John Sharp.
Testimony from tornado survivors, perspective from local emergency management officials, and context from subject matter experts with TDEM's Hazard Mitigation Division are featured in the award-winning program, which is produced by The Texas A&M University System.
“Tornado Alley is expanding and the frequency of tornadoes impacting rural communities in Texas is on the rise,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp in the episode. “Thankfully, the Texas Division of Emergency Management is working hand-in-glove with local communities to fund personal and community storm shelters — already, they have saved countless lives.”
“The installation of these hardened structures to provide protection from disasters such as last fall’s tornado in Lamar County shows that they save lives,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “TDEM encourages all Texans to connect with their local office of emergency management to explore grant funding options for family safe rooms and community storm shelters.”
The new episode of Around Texas with Chancellor John Sharp profiles the community of Paris, Texas, which faced an EF-4 tornado but reported zero fatalities and minimal injuries, thanks in part to mitigation measures such as residential storm shelters and community safe rooms.
TDEM works with local communities across the state to secure available funding for residential safe rooms and community storm shelters. The agency administers funding through grant opportunities to local governments to help reduce disaster risk for people and property when harrowing storms impact Texas communities.
Additional information about the state’s safe room program is available online at tdem.texas.gov/mitigation.
 Click on the above image to view the latest episode of Around Texas with Chancellor John Sharp.
 This North Texas home was destroyed by a tornado in November 2022, but the homeowner was saved because she installed a storm shelter on her property a few months prior. (Photo: Texas Division of Emergency Management)
 A community storm shelter in Lamar County, Texas, where residents huddled during an EF-4 tornado in November 2022. TDEM provides grant funding for storm shelters in Texas communities. (Photo: Texas Division of Emergency Management)
 This North Texas home was destroyed by a tornado in November 2022, but the homeowner was saved because she installed a storm shelter on her property a few months prior. (Photo: Texas Division of Emergency Management)
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