Zitzman Elementary School Shelters Local Community

​The Zitzman Elementary School gymnasium, which was built to serve as an EF-5 rated storm shelter, was put to use during the storms that swept through the area earlier this month.
 
When news of the storm reached Superintendent Carrie Schwierjohn, she opened the gym to the public. “We had little babies, older community members, and even three dogs... Even as the sirens were going off, people were still arriving," Schwierjohn said.
 
Thanks to this resource, families and neighbors had a safe place to ride out the storm, just a few miles away from where an EF-2 tornado touched down. Seeing our designs serving their purpose in protecting the community is truly special. Read more.