As spring storm season arrives, Henryetta school administrators are reminding residents two shelters are available in the event severe weather strikes after hours.
The STEM building and kindergarten center both have been built to double as storm shelters. Walls and ceilings are strengthened and steel shutters will close off windows in the event of tornadoes.
“Outside of normal school hours before 7:30 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m., the Safe Room will be available for residents in the community,” superintendent Dwayne Noble said. The facility will be ready for use when a tornado watch is issued and opened for residents to seek shelter. It will close when the watch or tornado warning expires.
When a tornado watch or warning is expected for the area and a notice is given by city officials or the local tornado sirens are sounded the doors will be unlocked and help residents if needed.
Noble said the shelter team will monitor the storm’s progress and will be able to contact emergency personnel in the event of injuries.
Once an all clear call is given, the shelter will be closed.
During school hours students will be given priority. This past year a number of drills have been held with students clearing the buildings and getting to the safe rooms in less than seven minutes.
At no time are weapons of any kind allowed in the Safe Room and on all school property. Also prohibited are vapor devices, tobacco in any form, alcohol and drugs not prescribed by a doctor.
No pets are allowed in the safe rooms. Only service animals will be allowed and anyone with a service animal must fill out a Special Needs form. If a person has a service animal, it must be certified and owners should bring aid animal documentation, collar and harness tag, leash and cleaning supplies for animal waste.
A form is available at the Henryetta school board office at 1801 Troy Aikman drive.

Full rules and Special Needs form can be downloaded here: {phocadownload view=file|id=43|target=s}