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Storms show need for public shelter
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With Warren County dodging tornadoes for the second time in three days, Warren County Emergency Management Agency director Percy Phifer says it’s time public shelters are considered.“There were a lot of people with no place to go to take cover,” said Phifer, noting tornado warnings were issued for Warren County several times Friday into the evening hours. “We came out great with just some minor damage and a few trees down, but it had us notice the need for some type of place for people to go.”Tornadoes were reported north near Cookeville and south near Ooltewah on the outskirts of Chattanooga. Just two days before, on Wednesday, a tornado hit just north of Warren County near Smithville claiming the life of a woman whose home was blown down an embankmentOf concern to Phifer is the numerous people who live in mobile homes which experts say should be abandoned when tornado warnings are issued.