#JOPLIN MISSOURI TORNADO DISASTER INSTALL#
#JOPLIN MISSOURI TORNADO DISASTER FULL#
#JOPLIN MISSOURI TORNADO DISASTER CODE#

The city intervened in other ways to brace buildings for future storms. The ICC said there’s currently no discussion of adding that requirement, but action could be proposed in 2022.

#JOPLIN MISSOURI TORNADO DISASTER CODE#

The International Code Council, which sets the worldwide standards for buildings, does not require basements or shelters in homes under its residential codes. Wicklund further explained the building code is designed to be a minimum standard for structures. “They discussed making it mandatory but just did not feel that it was something the city would want to step in and require,” Bryan Wicklund, Joplin’s Chief Building Official, said.

#JOPLIN MISSOURI TORNADO DISASTER INSTALL#

Joplin left the decision to install basements or shelters to homeowners.

#JOPLIN MISSOURI TORNADO DISASTER FULL#

However, those with full basements went up by 700. In the decade between 20, the number of homes with partial basements actually dropped by about 700. However, Jasper County, where most of Joplin is located, tracks the number of basements in homes. Joplin doesn’t require permits for the shelters in homes and backyards, so it’s difficult to quantify how many builders added them in the wake of the tornado. Giovanni Garcia/41 Action News In some of his developments, Parker installed these storm shelters under staircases. Some are located underneath staircases, while others are bolted down in garages. The company went on to build a total of 144 units, all of which have storm shelters. “We weren’t sure that we would be able to win, but we weren’t willing to sacrifice what we felt was the safety of our tenants and omit the storm shelters,” he said.ĭespite the added cost, Parker Development secured the credits. It was a risk at the time, because cost was a factor in the competition for housing credits. It was the first housing development built with state tax credits after the 2011 tornado.ĭuring the design phase, Parker decided to add shelters. Parker’s company built the Delaware Duplex Community off south 20th street.

“It just seemed like that was where the project should start, and you would almost build everything around it,” Kevin Parker, President of Parker Development, said. “You do see them, many more than there used to be,” Dahle-Melsaether said.įor some rebuilding without a shelter was unthinkable. However, a lot of residents chose to install them to feel safer. The 41 Action News I-Team learned the city doesn’t require storm shelters or basements. We have a port-a-potty, we have an emergency radio,” Dahle-Melsaether said, pointing to the items in his shelter. It’s a safe haven submerged in the backyard and stocked with essentials. The couple moved to Joplin last November, and they found a home with a storm shelter. Giovanni Garcia/41 Action News Darren Dahle-Melsaether says it's a 'good feeling' to have somewhere to go when severe weather hits.

Joplin missouri tornado disaster