The Rev. Charles williams of Fair Haven Baptist Church (seated at left), Kiel Hargrove of the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Rev. Dr. Kevin Minchey of First Baptist Church signed contracts for use of the two churches as shelters in the event a local disaster displaced large numbers of people. Standing, from left, are BCEMA Director Scott Johnson, BCEMA shelter program manager Dr. Carl T. Bailey, and County Mayor Eugene Ray. (T-G Photos by John I. Carney) [Click to enlarge]

But those shelters are only meant for a few hours, until severe weather has passed. What happens in the event of a major disaster, like the tornadoes that struck Tennessee in February, when a substantial number of people lose their homes all at once?

"Macon County was a real wake-up call, quite frankly," said BCEMA Director Scott Johnson.

On Wednesday, the pastors of two large area churches signed contracts committing their buildings for use as long-term storm shelters, which could house displaced people for as long as 7 to 10 days in the event of a tornado.

Bedford County Emergency Management Agency and the Heart of Tennessee chapter of the American Red Cross organized the program. First Baptist Church on Depot Street and Fair Haven Baptist on U.S. 231 North have agreed to serve as shelters. Red Cross will manage, fund and equip the shelters.

These agreements will give EMA the capability to house 200-300 displaced persons, said Johnson. Having shelters lined up in advance is considered a great advantage over trying to arrange for immediate housing during an emergency.

Dr. Carl Bailey, who manages BCEMA's shelter program, praised the churches for their commitment to emergency relief, even though they realize that serving as a shelter would disrupt or pre-empt normal church functions. The contract specifically prohibits the churches from using the designated shelter areas during that time.

The Rev. Dr. Kevin Minchey signed the contract for First Baptist, while the Rev. Charles Williams represented Fair Haven. Keil Hargrove, emergency services director for the Heart of Tennessee Chapter, signed on behalf of Red Cross. The signing took place at County Mayor Eugene Ray's office in the courthouse.

The Heart of Tennessee Red Cross chapter serves Bedford, Rutherford and Cannon counties. It has its main office in Murfreesboro, but has designated office space in the BCEMA building. The chapter is a United Way of Bedford County member agency.