A Delaware County 911 Center supervisor made a decision that could have saved lives.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Storm safety is always on the minds of county emergency managers. On August 23, 2016, a tornado skipped across a residential area just north of Delaware and crossed Route 23 near the entrance to Delaware State Park. The day was a hot and muggy Saturday when the park was filled with campers and one day before the scheduled Ironman Triathlon.  Delaware County EMA sounded the tornado sirens based on funnel sighting near U.S. 23. Luckily, no one was hurt and the damage to the marina at Delaware Lake was minor. In July 2017, two people were injured by falling trees in the park caused by straight-line winds. At the time of these events, plans were already in the works to construct a tornado safe place at the park for use during a weather emergency— a collaboration between federal, state and county agencies. On Thursday, a 75-feet wide, 28-feet tall dome accommodating up to 856 people will be dedicated at Delaware State Park, north of Delaware.  The total cost of the project was a little more than $1 million, funded through FEMA, ODNR, Delaware County Board of Commissioners and Ohio EMA grants. About 7 years in the works, from planning to design, and after 9 months of construction were completed last year. The goal is to keep parkgoers and campers safe in the event of a tornado warning or windstorm. When the tornado sirens are activated in Delaware County by EMA staff, an antenna receives a signal outside the domed structure to unlock the front doors. Delaware County EMA Director Sean Millet said that the tornado dome “is designed to protect against wind speeds greater than 200 mph.” Steel-reinforced concrete connected with rebar anchors the shelter, Miller said.  The shelter will have a dual purpose, hosting ODNR presentations and other events, when the weather is quiet. The dome structure meets FEMA specifications and is not susceptible to aerodynamic lift in a storm. An early requirement for funding included the installation of an outdoor warning system — two tornado sirens  are located in the park, according to Miller. Delaware County Deputy Deputy Director Sandy Mackey said, “In the past few years, we’ve had straight-line winds, tornadoes, that have impacted the state park and they caused injuries. And it just reiterates the importance of having a safehouse.”