Storm damage in Perryville highlights need for community shelter

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — As storm season arrives in the FOX 23 area, residents of Perryville are facing a critical lack of storm shelters, leaving many vulnerable during severe weather events.

This issue became apparent after a recent tornado nearly destroyed a local school, underscoring the need for a safe place for residents to take cover.

Denise Ulrich, an area supervisor for JAD Homecare Services, expressed her concern for elderly clients who have no place to go during storms. Many residents lack basements or other safe spaces, leaving them exposed to the dangers of severe weather.

“I’ve got a number of clients that have nowhere to go,” Ulrich said. “My concern was, what can I do to help them? We had nowhere to take them.”

Ulrich, motivated by her desire to help, is now working to raise awareness about the need for a community storm shelter in Perryville.

“We would really like to bring attention to the need for a shelter,” Ulrich said. “Whether it be a warming center or a disaster shelter, there are people who don’t have anywhere to go.”

Keith Carroll, Vice President of the Perry County Health Board, shares Ulrich’s concerns. Both grew up in Perry County and are committed to improving the community.

“We are in need of a storm shelter,” Carroll said. “We listened to the people of Perry County, and there’s nobody better to ask than the people themselves.”

Carroll has been actively helping residents, especially elderly individuals, who have struggled to recover from the recent tornado. He has reached out to nonprofit organizations and initiated a campaign to secure a storm shelter for those without access to safe spaces, such as people living in mobile homes.

“We’re really growing right now in Perry County,” Carroll said. “We have buildings in town, and we’re looking for public or private partnerships to help us create a storm shelter. We’re also reaching out to organizations like the Salvation Army to find existing spaces that can be used quickly and efficiently.”

Carroll plans to meet with the Salvation Army on April 17 to discuss potential solutions for the community.

Residents and leaders alike hope that with the right partnerships, a storm shelter can be established to protect vulnerable members of the Perryville community in the future.