As the City of Girard's Civil Defense Director, I would like to welcome you and your family to our great City. Every year, between April and June and again in August and September, Kansas experiences its most active storm season. I would like to remind everyone to be prepared for any emergency during this period.

The City of Girard has a team of Severe Weather Spotters and Storm Shelter personnel and others that assist whenever sever weather is in the forecast. Each are trained on yearly basis in spotting severe or tornadic weather, when called out. The City also has nine (9) storm sirens that are placed throughout the town for your safety. These sirens are tested on each Friday, when clear weather permits.

There are two (2) public shelters located in the City of Girard; they are the Haderlein Elementary School basement -located at 520 W. Prairie (Westside entrance only) and the Girard High School basement -located at 401-415 S. Summit (Eastside entrance only). Please take the time to locate the shelter nearest to you before the event of severe weather. Also, if you are handicapped, the Elementary School is handicapped accessible.

I must inform you that all shelters are for public use only and NO PETS ARE ALLOWED. It creates much chaos when dogs, cats, and other types of pets are allowed into shelters. Many people may be allergic to these types of animals. Seeing eye dogs are permissible.

Once you hear the City's tornado sirens, it's time to head for the public shelters or seek other shelter. The sirens are set off in three (3) minute intervals when there has been a tornado warning issued and confirmation for Crawford County and Girard is in its potential path. One the storm has passed, the sirens will sound again for one (1) minute to signal all is clear. You may only have minutes to respond to one of these shelters, be prepared by having everything ready to go.

TIf needed, a long term shelter will be set up in the Girard High School Cafeteria and Gymnasium areas.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime at 724-6216.

Sincerely,

Dustin Johnson

Civil Defense Director