TYLER, Texas — Editor's Note: Video above not related to article, published on April 20, 2023.
As East Texas prepares for another round of severe weather this week, it’s important to know the closest places to seek shelter.
Broadway Square Mall in Tyler was recently named StormReady by the National Weather Service in Shreveport -- a distinction that few shopping centers can claim in the U.S.
"As soon as we got the warning, we made sure that all of our shoppers were in our tornado shelters. So that all of our shoppers were safe," Broadway Square Marketing Director Candice Foster said regarding the tornado that touched down in Tyler last Thursday.
Broadway Square Mall has six shelters available to the community.
In the event of life-threatening weather, staff will lead people to the nearest shelter, where they can be secure and safe.
"We also have a database to where we can call all of our stores at any given time, so that they can relay the information to shoppers," Foster said.
Once people get the severe weather warning, Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore said they should create a plan and be prepared.
"I know we're in East Texas but try to stay away from as many trees or anything else that could cause debris," Moore said.
Another point he made is to get in a low-lying area if you’re driving in severe weather conditions.
To find several different severe weather plans from Smith County, visit the county's website. The different plans include a tornado response plan and where people can find storm shelters in Smith County.