Tornado Shelters
If a tornado warning is issued in Springfield and you need a safe place to go, Springfield Public Schools (SPS) opens several school buildings with designated tornado-safe rooms.
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 individuals may occupy the safe room 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.
Storm Shelter Rules and Locations
Download the document linked below for a list of shelter locations and official rules.
Key Things to Know
- Who can use them: Safe rooms are intended for people who live within a half-mile of the school to make sure you can get there safely once a warning is issued.
- When they open: The safe rooms open only after a tornado warning is issued (when sirens sound).
- When doors close: To ensure safety, doors close 10 minutes after opening.
- Non-school hours only: These shelters are available to the public only outside of regular school hours.
Special Needs
Individuals 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 requests.
Individual who require aid animals will be allowed to bring the aid animals into 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, and 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.
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