Local officials learned recently that the facility formerly known as the FEMA building must open for severe weather. That’s good news for residents who live in mobile homes or don’t feel safe in their houses when a storm is approaching.

“The mayor and myself met with FEMA and MEMA out at the storm shelter a few weeks ago,” Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Clifford Galey said. “After that meeting with them, we learned some things we did not know about the contract for this building, which says that we have to open it for severe weather.”

“We’re looking at opening the shelter for a significant weather event or a tornado watch with a rating of 5 or greater, issued by the National Weather Service,” Galey said.  “That’s what most (facilities) throughout the state are doing.”

In the past, we’ve often wondered why other federally funded shelters in the state opened for severe weather when Brookhaven’s did not.  Local residents have also complained when the shelter wasn’t opened.

There seemed to be some confusion regarding operating the shelter — officials initially said it could only be opened with an order from the state or federal government. We’re glad they have since learned otherwise.

The shelter has opened for severe weather a couple times since we first reported on the issue, and we commended officials then for opening it, even if they weren’t sure if FEMA approved at the time. Having a safe place to go when severe weather strikes can save lives.

We’re thankful to Galey for sorting out the problem and making sure residents can seek shelter if necessary.