CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Commission is expected to vote Monday on a plan to use county buildings as emergency shelters. Mayor Jim Durrett has proposed using 8 facilities around the county and to administer staffing in the event of an emergency.
If approved by the commission, Durrett talked about what the resolution would mean. “It just allows the county Mayor to open one of those facilities if we need to. If we have an emergency we need to be prepared for it, it’s really all about preparedness,” said Durrett.
Montgomery County facilities being proposed for emergency use include:
William O. Beach Civic Hall
The Old Career Center
The Old section of the Montgomery County Jail
RichEllen Park Community Room
Woodlawn Park Community Room
Civitan Park Community Room
South Guthrie Community Room
Durrett said any decision to use the buildings would not be spur of the moment. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross would also have input. Coordination would also take place with City of Clarksville officials and other local shelters.
Some county personnel would be involved with opening and helping to maintain the facilities. Mayor Durrett added that with the Red Cross and other organizations there would be volunteers to help in an emergency.
The Montgomery County Commission meets Monday at 6:00 p.m. on the third floor of the Montgomery County Courthouse.