Alabama Attorney General Calls Some Tornado Shelters Dangerous

A March 16 court hearing is planned after the Alabama Attorney General accused a company of selling dangerous tornado shelters that he says imperil people who try to escape storms in them.

Attorney General Luther Strange filed a complaint stating that the shelters could suffocate people and break their bones. He said heavy steel doors could slam shut, trapping or seriously injuring people. Strange says some of the shelters also have a defective design that may allow flying debris to get inside.

No one answered phone calls on Tuesday to Tornado Masters of Alabama Inc., the firm Strange accuses of selling the shelters.

The Attorney General’s Office said the Madison County Circuit Court granted its request for a temporary restraining order against the company, and set a March 16 hearing.