Cornerstone Elementary Opens Doors as Excelsior Springs' First Public Storm Shelter

*The storm shelter entrance at Cornerstone Elementary is located at the southeast corner of the building (photo S Jason Cole).*

The Excelsior Springs School District has opened its doors to the public with a new storm shelter at Cornerstone Elementary. The school district held an open house meeting on Wednesday (April 12th) led by School Safety Officer, Jeff Kimsey, to introduce the shelter to the community and discuss guidelines and rules for occupancy. The shelter is a FEMA-certified structure and is available to the public when a tornado warning or severe weather event is issued, with sustained winds of over 75 mph, and the tornado sirens have been activated.

*ESSD staff met with community members at the open house to discuss the newly opened shelter (photos S Jason Cole).*

During school hours, the shelter has priority occupancy for students and staff, and during non-school hours, emergency personnel or a school staff member will be in charge of the facility. The shelter is available to the public on weekdays after 5 p.m. during school hours and all day and evening on weekends and during school closures. Officer Kimsey said the shelter will have emergency snacks and water, but no tobacco, alcohol, or weapons are allowed. Service animals must be restrained, and occupants must use individual earphones when listening to music or radios so that public safety employees can hear their service radios.

*Up to 250 mph wind resistant (photo S Jason Cole).*

Kimsey explained that the fire department and designated personnel will determine when the shelter will open. The Excelsior Springs Fired Department will stage at the location since their building is not safe for tornadoes. During the meeting it was advised that anyone who plans to utilize the storm shelter should determine the safest route and travel time to the shelter far in advance. “Practice a couple of different routes and get to know how long it will take to get to the facility,” said Kimsey. Attendees were reminded that the shelter is a temporary refuge, and once the severe weather event is over, occupants will be asked to return to their homes.

*Hey, it’s a school. There are some rules you’ll have to follow. What’d you expect? (photo S Jason Cole)*

Excelsior Springs recently approved the construction of Lewis Elementary, which will also have a FEMA-certified storm shelter. When the new downtown elementary school is complete, firefighters will stage their emergency response at Cornerstone, and Excelsior Springs Police will utilize Lewis Elementary as a staging area. The school district is also working with Ray County officials to offer Elkhorn Elementary as a storm shelter. However, it was pointed out that the logistics of having a more remote location such as Elkhorn will make those efforts difficult for area residents and public safety officials.

*The entry door is clearly labeled, if you plan to utilize the shelter familiarize yourself with the location (photos S Jason Cole).*

This marks a historic moment for Excelsior Springs, as it is the first time in the city’s history that a storm shelter is open to the public. According to Mark Bullimore, the communications director for the Excelsior Springs School District, “It has been a great partnership working with the fire and police departments. When the school, the city, the fire department, and police department work together, 100% of our community benefits. This particular example of utilizing the Cornerstone Elementary as a storm shelter for the public is a testament to that collaboration.”

*This Google Maps image of Cornerstone under construction shows the location of the storm shelter entry at the southeast corner of the building.*

The school district hopes to provide a safe and orderly environment for all occupants during severe weather events. The shelter is available for public use, but it is essential to remember that it is a temporary structure and to have an emergency plan in place. With the addition of the new shelters, the community of Excelsior Springs can rest a bit easier knowing that they have a safe haven during severe weather events. For questions about the shelter reach out to the Excelsior Springs School District at (816)630-9200.