Local Schools Hoping To Increase Severe Weather Safety

Tuesday, May 8th 2007, 11:32 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Public Schools is asking the federal government to help keep its students safe during severe weather. TPS has applied for a grant from FEMA. The grant would go towards long-term safety measures in Tulsa schools. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports that officials say these measures could make all the difference during tornado season.

Buried beneath Robertson Elementary School is the only tornado shelter the district has. Built in 2001, it has 12-inch thick walls, its own ventilation system, and can withstand an F5 twister. The kids have been taught that if there is ever a dangerous storm, this is where they go.

The students have tornado drills about three times every year. All 400 come down and cram into the safe room. The principal says just having the safe room has given her a real sense of security.

"It's absolutely great,â€ said Robertson Elementary principal Jessica Haight. â€œThe kids feel safer. We literally can get the whole building down the stairs in under five minutes."

Bob LaBass, who oversees TPS construction projects, would like to see more storm shelters in Tulsa schools, but he says they don't come cheap.

"Our big expense would be going into our existing facilities, and how would you increase your safetiness," said LaBass.

That's where a possible grant from FEMA comes in. If awarded, officials say grant money could go towards building new storm shelters. It would also be used to retro-fit existing schools, making them less prone to damage from high winds, flooding and other hazards. Haight hopes that happens, saying other principals should be granted the same sense of calm she has.

"If you ask kids about it, they say they feel safe,â€ said Haight. â€œIf there's storms, the teachers can say we don't have anything to worry about."

And feeling safe can mean a lot, especially this time of year.

While other schools in Tulsa do not have shelters, all do have designated safe areas. If awarded, the FEMA grant could cover up to 75% of the cost of building new safe rooms and installing other safety measures.

Watch the video: Tulsa Public Schools Asks FEMA For Storm Grants