Illinois task force recommends tornado shelters for warehouses
By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor
A state task force created in response to a deadly 2021 tornado at an Amazon distribution center in Illinois has recommended measures to better protect warehouse workers.
Six people killed at the warehouse located in the town of Edwardsville. None of the workers were in a safe area of the warehouse when the powerful tornado struck.
The storm first impacted the west-facing wall, causing it to collapse and leading to other structural failures including a roof collapse. The task force recommended that building codes be amended to require tornado shelters in warehouses.
Other recommendations include requiring site-specific emergency plans based on OSHA’s guidelines in preparation for tornadoes. Preparation plans would be shared with local first responders including floor plans and information about what is stored in the warehouse.