Spring has been slow in coming this year but the threat of severe storms is looming on the horizon.
The Henryetta school system just completed a second tornado drill getting students to the STEM and kindergarten building to protect them from storms.
Both buildings are certified safe rooms with reinforced walls and roof as well as steel shutters to close off doors and windows in the event or tornados.
During school hours, the buildings are to protect students and, after school, will be open to the public.
According to superintendent Dwayne Noble, when a tornado warning is issued (tornado sirens activated) by the city Emergency Management Director and/or the National Weather Service, the Safe Room will be opened for residents to seek shelter in the Safe Room 24 hours a day/7 days a week except during school operating hours, and will close when the watch or tornado warning expires.
He said the school has a policy in place governing the operation of the safe rooms.
That policy is available to the public by downloading here. {phocadownload view=file|id=36|target=s}
Even though pets are not allowed in the safe rooms, exceptions are made for service animals. Download the Special Needs form here: {phocadownload view=file|id=45|target=s}
Noble said anyone who does require a service animal to be with them should fill out a form and return it to the school.