Ainsworth Community Schools

Important Announcement: Tornado Warning Best Practices During School

Dear Ainsworth Community Members,

As part of our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and staff, we want to share with you our best practices for handling tornado warnings during school hours. Tornadoes are a serious natural disaster, and after recent severe weather in the state, it's crucial that we all know how to respond effectively to keep everyone safe.

  1. Stay Informed: Stay tuned to local weather forecasts and alerts. We have multiple ways of receiving updates, including weather radios, mobile apps, and announcements from school officials.

  2. Take Immediate Action: If a tornado warning is issued, we take it seriously and act quickly. Time is of the essence. Everyone in the building will be following the instructions provided by school staff and emergency responders. We will shelter in our safe areas.

  3. Stay Calm and Reassure Others: Remaining calm during emergencies is essential. Reassure students and colleagues, especially those who may be feeling anxious or scared.

  4. Follow Instructions: Listen to instructions from school administrators, teachers, and emergency personnel. They are trained to handle these situations and will provide guidance on what to do to stay safe.

  5. Wait for the All Clear: Once the threat has passed, remain in the shelter area until you receive official notification that it is safe to leave. Do not venture outside until given the all-clear signal. We will not release any students until the warning or threat has been lifted.

  6. Review and Practice: We regularly review and practice tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an actual tornado warning. Practice builds confidence and ensures a quicker response during emergencies.

Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our school community. By following these best practices and staying informed, we can work together to minimize the impact of tornadoes and keep everyone safe.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Ainsworth Community Schools