William Bradford Christian School Gets New Storm Shelter Donation

A private school in Pryor will be ready for severe weather season thanks to a new storm shelter it received as a donation.  

William Bradford Christian School students and parents said they have now have an extra sense of security thanks to an 18,000-pound storm shelter gifted by the community.

The shelter — which is now in place — provides ventilation, lighting, battery backup and enough space for all 95 students to be safe and secure.

School administrator Larry Stamper said the shelter was a community effort. Without the donations and installation help from local businesses, Stamper said it wouldn't have been possible.

"It's definitely a plus for us at our school system we've been needing for a long time," Stamper said. 

Bradford parent volunteer and eastern Oklahoma resident Diana Coverdell knows how stressful severe weather season can be.

Now that the shelter is in place, parents like Coverdell won't have to worry about rushing to get their kids to safety.

"They were missing some school time in order to be safe, so this allows us to keep our kids in class, continue learning and keep them safe," Coverdell said. 

Stamper said the shelter was named “The Lion's Den” to make it seem less like a storm drill and more like an adventure for students.

Since it was completed, the kids have been having fun with the shelter.

"The P.E. teacher takes them in so that they're not scared if that time comes, but they're really excited about it," Stamper said. "They like going in looking around. It's something new for them."