After today, concerns for Graceland visitor's safety issue

[keke23]

Seein how today's dangerous weather can get bad, Graceland and Sillerman need to take into consideration about safety for the visitors when it comes to severe weather.

We live in the heart of severe weather threat. Somethin should be done to have a plan-a when it comes to shelter.

Graceland aint a safe place to be with a tornado warning out. The bottom floor aint big enough for everyone to get down into., nor is it a safe place

There's no storm shelter at the current plaza or HH for visitors to get into.

What if today's tornado that hit the mall had hit west of the airport instead?

That would have been exactly in the path of Graceland. There wouldn't be anything left and the fatalities would be heartbreakin to deal with.

Anyway, my reason for this thread is to make all of yall aware of the lack of safety at Graceland when it comes to Mother Nature.

I hope Sillerman has a storm shelter in his mega million dollar project plans.

Maybe we as fans should write EPE and lt them know how serious this is?

If they care about the lives of their visitors, then they should take precaution.

[cameron]

Not sure how feasable it would be for all business to build shelters.
It's good to know that you're ok. Were you in Germantown when that hit?

Everything's ok here, but heard of the deaths in Ark. and Tenn.
Take care .

[TotallyInsane]

Tornados are a common thing in the South. I don't know of any businesses that have gone to these measures - the schools don't even have storm shelters. If they don't build storm shelters it does not mean they don't care about the lives of their visitors. I'm not quite sure why you think Graceland should be any different.

But, I am glad to see you're ok.

[Suspicious Minds]

Surely, people won't travel when there is Tornado's expected.

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

I found this article on the Internet:

At Least 13 Dead In Tennessee

FAST FACTS:

31 dead across the south
13 dead in Tennessee
3 dead in Shelby County

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)
At least 31 people are known dead after a series of tornadoes that raced across several Southern states.

At least 13 deaths are counted in Tennessee, 11 in Arkansas and seven in Kentucky.
Scores of people have been hurt.
Authorities have been searching in the dark for survivors and victims.

The twisters wiped out homes, shredded warehouses and damaged a mall near Memphis.

Storms also damaged a dormitory at Union University in Jackson Tennessee, trapping students who talked by phone to rescuers who were trying to dig them out.

The governor of Arkansas calls it "an extraordinary night."

In Southaven, Mississippi, a police official describes the damage at an industrial warehouse as looking "like a bomb went off."

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

Here is another article about the severe wearther:

Hickory Ridge Mall Hit Hard

FAST FACTS:

Hickory Ridge Mall hit with severe storm, parts of roof torn off
Portions of Sears store suffered extensive damage
Shoppers ran for cover

(MEMPHIS, TN 2/6/2008)
The Hickory Ridge Mall took a beating from Mother Nature Tuesday night.
Severe storms tore off portions of the roof and walls.

Dozens of shoppers were evacuated.
Witnesses say they only had seconds to take cover.

"We were at the Picadilly eating, and a big wind came through, and everyone just ran," said Latasha Woods.

"The ceiling came off, the wind started blowing really hard, it was really gusty," said shopper Tyeisha Green.

She had her two young children with her.
She said she held them and prayed.
"I was scared, they started to panic, I didn't know what to do but hold onto them."

The Sears store appeared to have suffered the brunt of the damage.
Portions of the walls and ceiling were severely damaged.
Power was knocked out throughout the neighborhood.

Many shoppers were stranded for awhile after they were evacuated from the mall.
Damaged cars were scattered all over the parking lot.

According to Lt. Keith Staples with the Memphis Fire Dept, no one was hurt.
Police set up a mobile command post at the scene to monitor the situation and also prevent looters from taking advantage of what had happened.

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

MLGW Statement

MLGW begins restoration to damaged infrastructure

(Feb. 5, 2008-10 p.m.)
Severe weather moving through the Memphis metropolitan area and Shelby County in the early evening hours has caused scattered power outages across the area.
Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division is working around the clock to repair damage and restore electric service throughout the county.
MLGW is also working to repair some water and gas equipment damage.

Hardest hit is the area around Hickory Hill due to direct storm and possible tornado damage.
Power lines and utility poles are down, and crews are working to repair major damage.
Approximately 20,000 MLGW customers are currently without power due to scattered outages across the county.

MLGW reports that four water pumping stations have been affected, and the utility is working to restore those stations, using electric generators when necessary.
Storm damage to buildings has also caused some gas leaks in industrial areas in the southeast part of Shelby County.

TVA reported damage to two transmission towers near Moose Road in northeast Shelby County.
Trees and power lines are down in some areas.
Customers are asked to keep a safe distance from dangerous or arcing electric lines.

MLGW will continue to assess the damage, and work to restore service to its customers.
Out of town crews have been called in to assist MLGW's restoration efforts.
Customers are asked to call 544-6500 to report power outages.
To report downed power lines, customers should call.

[presley31]

Thats scary stuff for the south to have to Tornado's, we are lucky here in canada we don't get them, we just get the tail end of the storm

[cprimm]

When severe weather is predicted.....and it had been predicted for several days...you make a choice whether to stay home or go out and about. Most schools let children out to go home to be with their parents. When you have lived in the south all your life, you learn what you should do with a forecast that we had for days. I would not want to be in a shopping mall with severe weather on the way; I'd rather be in my own home, hunkered down in the bathtub or an interior wall. It is so very scary when a tornado is heading in your direction.

[KPM]

I don't know of any major business with high people traffic which does not have contingency plans for disaster situations. So I'm sure that Graceland is no different. Whether or not it is an adequate plan is another matter, since they have never had to use it. (at least as far as I know) I worked for a retirement communtity which had contingency for such things as threatening weather and although the plans were in place-they had never been truely tested-because the situation had never arose.

[utmom2008]

Tornados are a common thing in the South. I don't know of any businesses that have gone to these measures - the schools don't even have storm shelters. If they don't build storm shelters it does not mean they don't care about the lives of their visitors. I'm not quite sure why you think Graceland should be any different.

That's exactly what I was going to say too Gail. Living in the south it's just a part of life....we were under a tornado warning yesterday afternoon. The same tornado that made it's way on in to Memphis. Even on a college campus there are no storm shelters.....

[EP75]

Seein how today's dangerous weather can get bad, Graceland and Sillerman need to take into consideration about safety for the visitors when it comes to severe weather.

We live in the heart of severe weather threat. Somethin should be done to have a plan-a when it comes to shelter.

Graceland aint a safe place to be with a tornado warning out. The bottom floor aint big enough for everyone to get down into., nor is it a safe place

There's no storm shelter at the current plaza or HH for visitors to get into.

What if today's tornado that hit the mall had hit west of the airport instead?

That would have been exactly in the path of Graceland. There wouldn't be anything left and the fatalities would be heartbreakin to deal with.

Anyway, my reason for this thread is to make all of yall aware of the lack of safety at Graceland when it comes to Mother Nature.

I hope Sillerman has a storm shelter in his mega million dollar project plans.

Maybe we as fans should write EPE and lt them know how serious this is?

If they care about the lives of their visitors, then they should take precaution.

It was good to hear from you last night. I was concerned when our local news told that tornadoes had hit Germantown and South Memphis. At least you were not in the path of that storm. We had a tornado warning for our area moving towards my community at around 4 am this morning. But fortunately it missed us and went north of my home.

About your concern for a storm shelter. Very good points you made. I do agree that something should be done. And if I were a betting man, I would bet that EPE and Bob Sillerman will have a plan for quick sheltering should another tornado threat come up in the future. I don't think EPE wants visitors blood stains of the visitors on their hands.:hmm:

[utmom2008]

And if I were a betting man, I would bet that EPE and Bob Sillerman will have a plan for quick sheltering should another tornado threat come up in the future.

And if I were a betting woman, I would bet that a tornado is the least of Bob Sillerman's worries right now.;)

[TotallyInsane]

And if I were a betting woman, I would bet that a tornado is the least of Bob Sillerman's worries right now.;)

I am a betting woman and my chips are placed on this one! And, I really don't think the tours were operating that afternoon since schools and businesses were shutting down that afternoon. Shutting down the tours and evaculating people is most probably already in their Emergency Plan.

[keke23]

I am a betting woman and my chips are placed on this one! And, I really don't think the tours were operating that afternoon since schools and businesses were shutting down that afternoon. Shutting down the tours and evaculating people is most probably already in their Emergency Plan.

Not really.

They were still opened up to 4:30 from what I was told.

The tornado hit east of Whitehaven at 4:30.

They took a gamble and fortunately won.

[Johnny]

I am a betting woman and my chips are placed on this one! And, I really don't think the tours were operating that afternoon since schools and businesses were shutting down that afternoon. Shutting down the tours and evaculating people is most probably already in their Emergency Plan.

My chips are also on what is written above.

[utmom2008]

I am a betting woman and my chips are placed on this one!

I knew you would take this one!! (y):D

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

Graceland Safe Following Tornado Outbreak In Memphis Area

The staff of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and Graceland want all of the faithful Elvis fans around the world to know the famous Memphis mansion that was home to the King of Rock N' Roll was not damaged and none of our employees were inured by the series of tornados that tore through the Memphis area late Tuesday afternoon and evening.

"We appreciate the concern that has been expressed through your e-mails and phone calls as some of you are now starting to see the damage from news reports coming out of Memphis.
The storm damage is primarily centered around the Southeastern portion of the city, Graceland and The Heartbreak Hotel never even lost power.

Graceland and all of it's employees were very lucky to escape unharmed and we ask for your thoughts to be with our neighbors in the Memphis and Mid-South region that were not as fortunate."

[MIElvis]

I'll leave it in God's hands. If it's time for me to die so be it. I was at the 25th Anniverssary when a huge thunderstorm rolled through about an hour before the candlelight vigil began, most people stayed in line along the wall throughout. The got wet and fortunately nobody was hurt.

[TotallyInsane]

I'll leave it in God's hands. If it's time for me to die so be it. I was at the 25th Anniverssary when a huge thunderstorm rolled through about an hour before the candlelight vigil began, most people stayed in line along the wall throughout. The got wet and fortunately nobody was hurt.

OMG - how well I remember that storm. I've never been so wet and scared in my life!! Remember that big old tree out in front of EPE??? That's where Elvis Country was stationed for the candlelight - I knew I was a goner that night!! No place for cover - but we stayed anyway!!! Guess you could say there were 50,000 fans too dumb to get out of the rain!!!!!:lmfao::lmfao:

[MIElvis]

I stayed under the plaza's overhang but then I didn't get up the the Meditation garden until about 4 am

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

Tornado - Memphis, TN Wolfchase Mall area

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=OpMzHs_mFVY

[Suzan]

A very good friend of mine who lives in Germantown said that the tornado's never touch down by Graceland, something to do w/the location, wind, that type thing....so Graceland is safe.

[Suzan]

I stayed under the plaza's overhang but then I didn't get up the the Meditation garden until about 4 am

How did you get to go there @ 4 a.m.? As far as I know the grounds (and needless to say) house are closed @ that hour. Did they change the hours of operation?

[Unchained Melody]

I don't know of any major business with high people traffic which does not have contingency plans for disaster situations. So I'm sure that Graceland is no different. Whether or not it is an adequate plan is another matter, since they have never had to use it. (at least as far as I know) I worked for a retirement communtity which had contingency for such things as threatening weather and although the plans were in place-they had never been truely tested-because the situation had never arose.

And hopefully a situation like that never will arise...Graceland has been there since what 1939 and has went through alot of horrible storms so hopefully nothing will ever happen to our beloved home of Elvis.

[MIElvis]

Suzan... during the candlelight vigil the grounds are open until the last person has gone up to the Meditation Gardens. In 2002 the 25th anniversary the last persons were still there at about 8:30 am

[Suzan]

Suzan... during the candlelight vigil the grounds are open until the last person has gone up to the Meditation Gardens. In 2002 the 25th anniversary the last persons were still there at about 8:30 am

Ah ok, I knew about the vigils, just wasn't aware that that was what you were referring to. My apologies for the misunderstanding, I thought you meant in general.:):D