EDNA, Texas – Texas is building specially designed "hurricane domes" along its Gulf Coast that will offer shelter during major storms and serve the rest of the time as gyms or community centers.
The proposed 28 domes are part of the Texas Safe Shelter Initiative, created to protect sick and elderly residents who can't evacuate ahead of a hurricane. First-responders will also be able to use the facilities, which are being funded mostly by the federal government.
The school district in the town of Edna, about 100 miles southwest of Houston, is building a hurricane dome that will be nearly 20,000 square feet and able to withstand winds up to 200 mph.
When not needed for a storm, it will be used mainly as a high school gym.
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