The Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is excited to announce Covenant Christian School has been awarded a FEMA grant to build a Monolithic Dome. A Monolithic Dome meets FEMA’s standards for providing near-absolute protection and have a proven ability to survive tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, most manmade disasters, fire, termites and rot. They are cost-efficient, environmentally-friendly, extremely durable and easily maintained. Most importantly, a Monolithic Dome uses about 50% less energy for heating and cooling than a same-size, conventionally constructed building.
This Monolithic Dome will function as a safe room. This safe room will accommodate nearly 700 local emergencies, fire, and utilities personnel as well as residents registered on the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). This structure will be located in an area of high elevation reducing the risk of flood, and will provide a central, established location for the identified population. By establishing a known location that is accessible and built to protect against 200+ mph winds, emergency personnel can better plan and prepare for future disaster response. When the facility is not needed for first responder collaboration in the event of an emergency, the dome will serve as a gymnasium for Covenant Christian School.
The greater Houston area can have assurance knowing first responders are collaborating and prepared to take action in the event of an emergency. Montgomery County alone has a growing population of more than 570,900 individuals and a growth rate of 10% in the last 8 years alone. All current and future residents, business owners, and properties within Montgomery County and surrounding areas will benefit from the operations that will be conducted out of the safe room. Montgomery County Judge, Mark Keough says “ This [safe room] will ensure when disasters strike our first responders will have a safe place to hunker down and prepare for their response efforts”.
The Director of the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Darren Hess states “This is an exciting time for Montgomery County as we continue to build a partnership between the private and public entities, and it shows that citizens want to step up and take care of those who take care of them.” Covenant Christian School was chosen due to theirlocation just outside of areas that are most vulnerable to storm surge and flooding. It is not close to any major rivers or low-lying areas that would make it susceptible to being cut-off by rising waters. The school is in a safe location to muster first responders and other emergency equipment that is needed in the immediate aftermath of a major storm. Covenant Christian School offers close access to the major population and industrial centers of the Houston region.
The Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management looking forward to this partnership with Covenant Christian School and will continue to provide updates to the public as they arise.
