If winter is halfway over, spring can’t be far behind. What that means is another tornado season is just around the corner.

For those of us who don’t have a safe room in our home or business, it’s time to give some serious thought about what we’d do and where we’d  go should we be caught in the path of a tornado.

The first thought that comes to my mind is how long would it take for me to grab a coat, hat and umbrella and reach the nearest public safe room or storm shelter. The distance has been greatly reduced for Morgan Countians in recent years thanks to federal grants. Several communities received  grant assistance after a F-3 tornado caused heavy damage in the Hulaco community several years ago.

Unfortunately, that community was not included; however, the EMA and Morgan County Commission are continuing their efforts to secure federal assistance.

Most other municipalities and communities have shelters. They include two above ground safe rooms at Danville Volunteer Fire Department, combined capacity of 196; Punkin Center Volunteer Fire Department, Kirby Bridge Rd, capacity 98;  Massey Volunteer Fire Department,  Evergreen Rd., capacity 98; Somerville Community Center, Broad St., 96 capacity;  Somerville Community Center, Cross Creek Subdivision, capacity 98; Eva Volunteer Fire Department, Eva Road, capacity 98: Neel Volunteer Fire Department, Neel School Rd., capacity 98;

Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Simmons Rd. capacity 98; Cotaco Volunteer Fire Department, Hwy. 36 East, capacity 150; Brindlee Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, capacity 98; New Center Volunteer Fire Department, capacity 98; and Trinity Town Hall, two shelters, capacity 196;

Priceville Town Hall, basement level; Hartselle High School, Bethel Road, capacity 1900;

Falkville High School, estimated capacity 300; Morgan County Courthouse, basement level; Decatur City Hall, basement level and Priceville High School, opening scheduled in March 2016.

While nobody looks forward to the next tornado watch or warning,  it’s good to know that a safe place is waiting nearby in the event it’s needed.

Eddie Hicks and his staff at the Morgan County Emergency Management Agency and Morgan County Commission are due a word of thanks for working together to keep Morgan County residents safe.

Clif Knight is a staff writer for the Hartselle Enquirer.