Purpose

  • Tornado Sign The primary function of a district tornado safe room is to provide protection for the students and staff during tornado and extreme high wind events during school hours.

     

    1. Boyd Elementary School, gymnasium, 833 E. Division St. 
    2. Delaware Elementary School, gymnasium, 1505 S. Delaware
    3. Field Elementary, gymnasium, 2120 E. Barataria
    4. Fremont Elementary School, gymnasium, 2814 N. Fremont
    5. Fulbright Early Childhood Center, 3373 W. Battlefield Rd.
    6. Hillcrest High School, cafeteria, 3319 N. Grant Ave.
    7. Jarrett Middle School, band room/all-purpose room located on the lowest level of the west end of building, 906, W. Portland
    8. Jeffries Elementary School, gymnasium, 4051 S. Scenic Ave. 
    9. Kickapoo High School, auditorium, 3710 S. Jefferson Ave. 
    10. Sherwood Elementary School, gymnasium, 2524 S. Golden Ave.
    11. Sunshine Elementary School, gymnasium, 421 E. Sunshine
    12. Twain Elementary, gymnasium, 2352 S. Weaver Ave.
    13. Westport K-8 School, gymnasium, 415 S. Golden Ave.
    14. Williams Elementary School, gymnasium, 2205 W. Kearney 
    15. York Elementary School, gymnasium, 2100 W. Nichols

     

     

     

Use of Safe Room by Community Members

  • Tornado Safe  Room The tornado safe rooms at the locations listed below are available to residents in the community that live within the “Tornado Protection Zone” (TPZ), when students are not in school. Tornado safe rooms are not designed nor intended to provide shelter for those beyond the TPZ. 

    Please note:  FEMA and Greene County Office of Emergency Management recommend individuals planning to use any safe room live within the tornado protection zone of that safe room, allowing for a timely arrival to take shelter.  

    1. Boyd Elementary School, gymnasium, 833 E. Division St. 
    2. Delaware Elementary School, gymnasium, 1505 S. Delaware
    3. Field Elementary, gymnasium, 2120 E. Barataria
    4. Fremont Elementary School, 2814 N. Fremont
    5. Hillcrest High School, 3319 N. Grant Ave.
    6. Jarrett Middle School, 906 W. Portland, band room/all-purpose room located on the lowest level of the west end of building.   
    7. Jeffries Elementary School, 4051 S. Scenic Ave. 
    8. Kickapoo High School, 3710 S. Jefferson Ave. 
    9. Sherwood Elementary School, 2524 S. Golden Ave.
    10. Sunshine Elementary School, gymnasium, 421 E. Sunshine
    11. Twain Elementary, gymnasium, 2352 S. Weaver Ave.
    12. Westport K-8 School, 415 S. Golden Ave.
    13. Williams Elementary School, gymnasium, 2205 W. Kearney 
    14. York Elementary School, gymnasium, 2100 W. Nichols

    When a tornado watch is issued for Greene County, district personnel will ready the area for occupancy should a warning be issued.

    When a tornado warning is issued (tornado sirens activated) by the County’s Emergency Management Director or Greene County’s 911 Director, the safe room will be opened.

    The doors to the tornado safe room will close 10 minutes after a warning is issued or sooner if tornadic activity is observed in the vicinity.

    The weather will continue to be monitored and the safe room will remain open until the severe weather has abated and the National Weather Service has canceled the warnings and watches or they have expired. At this time, district personnel will announce to the facility that the “All-Clear” has been given and everyone may leave the facility.

     

Special Needs

  • Individuals living within the TPZ who have special needs and plan to use the safe room should contact Springfield Public Schools, General Service Center, 1458 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO  65802.  The sites will accommodate to the best of their ability special needs request. 

    Individuals living within the TPZ who require aid animals will be allowed to bring the aid animal in the tornado safe room.  The aid animal must be on a leash and kept under the owner's control at all times.  Aid animal needs such as water, food, cleaning supplies are to be provided by the owner.  The owner is responsible for the actions of the aid animal.  NOTE:  Companion animals and other house pets or animals are not allowed in the safe room due to space limitations.

     

Definitions

  •  TPZ-The intended tornado protection zone based on the estimated time necessary to reach the safe room after a warning has been given and the maximum capacity of the safe room, including the student body and staff.  

     Tornado watch-A product issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to local authorities and the general public indicating that the conditions for the formation of a tornado are favorable. A watch is a recommendation for planning, preparation, and increased awareness (i.e., to be alert for changing weather, listen for further information, and think about what to do if the danger materializes).

    Tornado warning-A tornado warning is a product issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to local authorities and the general public indicating that a tornado is either imminent or has been reported.  A warning indicates the need to take action immediately to protect life and property.