Why are there no public tornado shelters in Topeka?

TOPEKA (KSNT) - 27 News reached out to the City of Topeka and Shawnee County Department of Emergency Management for public tornado shelter locations, but neither the city nor the county provided them.

The City of Topeka doesn't open shelters for severe weather like tornado warnings. City spokeswoman Rosie Nichols said emergency management is the role of the county.

"The city does not open shelters for severe weather like a tornado warning, as generally, the guidance from the weather service and emergency management is to shelter in place, stay away from windows, go into a basement or storm room, etc," Nichols said. "The Public Safety Team also generally recommends that citizens be weather aware by tuning into local news stations for weather updates and consider using a NOAA weather radio, in addition to other emergency preparedness planning like creating an individualized plan, having an emergency kit or go bag, etc."

Shawnee County Emergency Management Services Deputy Director Scott Garcia responded to an email inquiry from 27 News saying severe weather often happens in the late afternoon and evening hours. He said many businesses, schools and government buildings are closed at that time and aren't open to provide storm shelters.

When asked if Kansas or the county used to have public tornado shelters, Garcia said he seemed to recall open shelters but didn't know if they were public.

"Not in my professional career timeframe (mid 80’s to present) do I recall there being public shelters," Garcia said. "Any organization (government or private) having a 24-hour a day open, unmanned, unmonitored shelter is not a viable option."

Garcia recommends putting as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible.

"If possible, get under something sturdy, such as a heavy table, or use a mattress to protect yourself from flying debris," Garcia said.

Garcia had some tips for those without access to tornado or storm shelters:

1. Act early. Don't wait until the warning.
2. Have multiple ways to get the warning. 
3. Have a plan for where you are (home, shopping, work, etc.). Don’t rely on businesses to keep you safe.
4. Get under something sturdy, such as a heavy table or use a mattress to protect yourself from flying debris. 

Garcia recommends people call local churches and community groups to see if they have available storm shelters.

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