Perryville opens storm shelter after severe weather strikes town

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) – After a difficult start to the year marked by snow and ice damage followed by a tornado that hit homes and the Perry County School, residents of Perryville are looking for security when severe weather strikes again.

In response to growing concerns, a new storm shelter has opened for the Perry County community, offering residents a safe place to go during future storms.

Earlier this week, Perryville residents took to Facebook in search of a storm shelter. As the community looked for answers, they found help from local businesses and organizations, eventually connecting with the Perryville Methodist Church, which stepped up to offer its basement as a safe space during storms.

Caleb Mueller, pastor of Perryville Methodist Church, expressed his pride in being able to provide a safe haven for the community.

“We were blessed to have a basement that we could use, that we could provide. I know not every church has that to give, but really, our goal is whatever we had to give, we’re going to do it,” Mueller said. “If there’s a need and we can fill it, we will, because it’s given by God first.”

The church’s basement is now a designated storm shelter for Perry County. On a recent stormy afternoon, volunteers gathered at the shelter, offering snacks, water, pet crates, and, most importantly, protection from the storm.

The shelter was made possible through community efforts and collaboration with the Salvation Army. Pastor Mueller learned about the need for a shelter from community members Keith Carroll and Denise Ulrich, who had been actively raising awareness on social media.

Carroll and Ulrich have been working tirelessly to help the community, and with the new shelter, they feel a sense of relief knowing they can help protect Perryville residents.

“The hope is to first and foremost protect human life,” Mueller said. “But also, to provide a sense of peace, that there is somewhere to go when storms are coming. That peace is crucial, especially after our community was hit by a tornado. People need to know there’s somewhere safe.”

The shelter is equipped with a TV to monitor weather updates and features heating and cooling for comfort. In addition, those seeking shelter simply need to sign a waiver to access the space.