07/22/2026
We have become aware of social media reports that individuals were unable to access the K**b Lick storm shelter during yesterday's severe weather.
First and foremost, we're thankful no injuries have been reported. We take any report involving public safety seriously, and we appreciate your concerns being voiced.
When severe weather threatens Metcalfe County, our dispatch center remotely unlocks all 13 county storm shelters. We begin doing this as early as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and continue re-sending the unlock signal approximately every 45 minutes throughout the duration of the event to help keep the shelters accessible as conditions change.
If you arrive at a shelter and cannot gain access, PLEASE call us immediately. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If conditions are not life-threatening, call our non-emergency line at 270-432-5646.
A phone call allows us to:
* Re-send the remote unlock signal.
* Help determine if another entrance is available.
* Notify personnel to respond if needed.
* Direct you to the next closest storm shelter if necessary.
Yesterday, our center did not receive any calls reporting an access issue at any shelter in the county. Because of that, we had no way of knowing there was a problem while the warning was in effect. During severe weather, our dispatchers are handling emergency calls and coordinating responses across the county, so we are not able to monitor Facebook for reports of emergencies or equipment problems.
Our role is to activate the remote door system during severe weather. The inspection, maintenance, and repair of the county's storm shelters are the responsibility of Metcalfe County Emergency Management. We have shared the reported issue with Emergency Management so they can investigate what occurred and make any needed repairs. If you notice a shelter maintenance issue outside of an active weather event, Emergency Management is the appropriate agency to contact.
Around Noon yesterday, prior to yesterday's storms, emergency management and law enforcement, along with our personnel completed operational testing of every county storm shelter. Even with routine testing, mechanical or electronic equipment can occasionally malfunction, which is why it's so important to contact us immediately if you experience a problem during an event.
Our goal is the same as yours: to help everyone reach safety as quickly as possible. If you ever have trouble accessing a storm shelter during severe weather, please call us right away. We'd much rather receive a call that turns out to be a simple fix than have someone left without shelter when they need it most.
Further Contact Information:
Metcalfe County Emergency Management
Metcalfe County Judge Executive: (270) 432-3181
