Be Weather Aware – Important Information on FEMA Storm Shelters
Use the QR code below to join the school district’s Community Text Alert group and stay informed about FEMA shelter operations, as well as other district events and activities.
Partnership for Public Safety
The Lawson Emergency Management, Police, and Fire Departments have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lawson R-XIV School District to assist in opening FEMA storm shelters to the public during non-school hours.
When are shelters opened?
Shelters are opened to the public outside of regular school hours when the City of Lawson appears to be in the path of a storm that is either:
Currently producing tornadoes
Has significant potential to produce tornadoes (as determined by the National Weather Service)
Producing winds in excess of 65 MPH
Who opens the shelters?
Lawson Police and Fire Department personnel can open shelters on-site
The Lawson School FEMA Safety & Security Team can open shelters remotely
How will you know shelters are open?
The District will send a Text Alert as soon as the decision is made. We strive to provide as much notice as possible so residents can travel safely to shelter locations.
If conditions do not allow time to safely open shelters before a storm arrives, please shelter in place and avoid travel.
Reminder About Warning Sirens
Warning sirens are activated when:
There is an immediate threat from a witnessed or radar-indicated tornado
Wind speeds exceed 65 MPH
Hail larger than 1.5 inches is detected
Sirens are designed primarily to alert individuals who are outdoors and will only sound when there is an immediate threat. There are NO all-clear sirens.
Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Alerts
We strongly encourage all residents to use multiple methods to stay informed, including:
NOAA Weather Radio
Cell phone with a weather app and data service
AM/FM radio
Television
Staying informed and prepared is critical to keeping yourself and your family safe during severe weather events.