City of Evansville, IN | Climate Action Dashboard
© 2026
Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and straight-line winds pose immediate threats to life and property in Evansville. Safe refuge shelters, reinforced, FEMA-compliant spaces in public buildings or standalone structures, provide critical protection when homes and vehicles are unsafe. Expanding access to these shelters through strategic partnerships can reduce injuries and strengthen overall emergency preparedness.
Currently, the C.K. Newsome Community Center serves as a designated storm shelter, while the Emergency Management Agency activates rotating sites, such as Lincoln School and Young & Established, based on need. Public library branches also function informally as refuge points, with staff prepared to assist. These efforts demonstrate strong coordination across public and community partners.
Enhances equity
Equitable and affordable access to technologies and programs helps residents save money, reach essential services, and cope with climate impacts. Equitable access ensures even the most vulnerable and underserved have the opportunity to be safe, healthy, and resilient to climate impacts.
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Increases local resilience
Programs, policies, and practices that improve local energy reliability, infrastructure integrity, food supply, water quality, waste management, and other essential needs will improve our local energy, economic, environmental, and community resilience to climate impacts, particularly for underserved populations and neighborhoods most vulnerable to those impacts.
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Improves public health
Policies, practices, and programs that prevent harmful pollution, promote active, healthy lifestyles, and shelter residents from weather extremes lower the risk of chronic disease and premature death. They also enhance public health and wellness, particularly for residents who are most vulnerable to environmental stressors.
