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Faulty storm door at Vilonia Elementary causes concerns

A storm shelter in Vilonia with a faulty door brought concerned viewers to THV11

VILONIA, Ark. (KTHV) - Sunday night’s storm brought neighbors into a storm shelter in Vilonia, but they were worried when the door would not shut properly.

Ever since the April 2014 tornado, people living in Vilonia are extra cautious when big storms roll through. It's why they were extra concerned last night when they heard the door on the shelter at Vilonia Elementary School was faulty.

It was a scary thing to hear when Rich McKinney and his family were told to get away from the FEMA approved doors at their storm shelter.

“Last night we were told everybody go into the side rooms. Shut the doors because that door could fail,” said McKinney.

McKinney said this isn't the first time the door got stuck. Two years ago after the 2014 tornado he asked for help.

“So we called the school waited around a couple days for a call back. They said they would look into it and we took them for their word,” he said.

On Sunday night during the big storm, one bolt got stuck making it difficult to latch to the floor.

David Stephens, Superintendent of Vilonia School District received reports the morning after that the doors were not locking properly.

Stephens said the school acted immediately when they heard about the problem. Workers from the school and a contractor worked all Monday morning to repair the faulty door.

“Once we get this taken care of we will have them re-inspected to make sure they are with FEMA guidelines,” Stephens said.

The storm shelter was built in 2004 and is due for a re-inspection.

McKinney has kept in contact with the school about the recent repairs. “They are nice enough to let the citizens come in after schools out if there is a warning. Just know it safe, that’s the main thing.”

According to FEMA, a storm door being able to open in a tornado is a huge risk. The workers told THV11 all the doors are now all securely repaired at the shelter.

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