Disaster Alley opens at Tulsa Mall

It may not be tornado season, but disaster alley has hit Tulsa. As KOTV's Donn Robertson tells us, a local shopping mall has a tool to teach people about fighting nature's fury. <br><br>The memories

Sunday, December 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

It may not be tornado season, but disaster alley has hit Tulsa. As KOTV's Donn Robertson tells us, a local shopping mall has a tool to teach people about fighting nature's fury.

The memories of May 3rd, 1999, will linger for a lifetime for many Oklahomans. The 44 lives lost on May 3rd may be the biggest reason for what's at the corner of safe place and tornado alley in Tulsa.

"My family is my number one priority and I want to keep them safe." That's why Vicky Raney and her daughter Lacy made a pledge while they visited disaster alley at Tulsa's Eastland Mall. The pledge is a promise to make Tulsa a disaster resistant community.

Disaster Alley teaches how, by giving tips on making buildings and homes tougher, so they can stand up to floods, fires, electrical storms and most importantly, tornadoes. The idea sprouted after the mall gave Tulsa's Project Impact a call. Lorna Milaccio with Eastland Mall says, "it's very important to educate people so they are disaster resistant."

Sandy Cox with Project Impact says, "tornadoes are going to come whether we are prepared or not, we don't have to be victims anymore, this is a step that helps us be safer." The safety tools catching the most looks are the storm shelters and safe rooms. Vicky Raney says she'd feel a sense of reassurance with one. "And I think we are going to get one if I have anything to say about it.

Disaster Alley at Eastland Mall is open during regular shopping hours. It will be at the Mall for at least a year.