As emergency workers address the aftermath of an EF-5 tornado that struck Moore, Okla., on May 20, lawmakers and industry members are grappling with whether regions vulnerable to EF-4 and EF-5 events should require safe rooms in schools and other non-residential facilities.
The Moore tornado, which packed winds in excess of 200 mph, resulted in 24 fatalities, seven of whom were students at an elementary school without a safe room. Schools with safe rooms in Moore reported no fatalities.