BROOKINGS – The Brookings City & County Government Center has been designated as the new storm shelter for the city of Brookings, according to a notice put out by the city Thursday.
The Government Center is located at 520 Third St. directly across from Brookings Public Library.
The reason for the designation, City Manager Paul Briseno said, is that the Old Armory had been the designated location for people to seek shelter, with 30-40 reportedly seeking shelter there during storms. With the Old Armory being closed, the city needed to select another facility to be open to the public.
The process will be the same, he said.
“When there’s a notice given, usually the police officers or emergency responder will go out and unlock the building and make it accessible for the public,” Briseno said.
People will be able to gather in the basement and signs will be installed for directions.
“The downstairs at the city/county building has a large room and hallway to congregate,” Briseno said.
“We’re just trying to ensure that we have a proper place for those who don’t have a proper storm shelter and we’ll make it available when those times come up,” he said.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
Register photo: The Brookings City & County Government Center on Third Street was named a storm shelter to give people a safe place to go after the closing of the Old Armory.
