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City Tornado Shelter
The City of Ozark's Tornado Shelter is a fortified structure engineered to comply with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards, offering nearly impenetrable protection during severe wind events such as tornadoes and hurricanes.
Find out more about FEMA Safe Rooms here: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/building-science/safe-rooms
The difference between a Tornado WATCH and a Tornado WARNING:
Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Tornado Warning: Tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
Important Links:
- NOAA Weather Radio: www.weather.gov/nwr/
- National Weather Service - Springfield, MO: https://www.weather.gov/sgf/
- Find All nearby FEMA Approved Public Safe Rooms in Christian County: ema.christiancountymo.gov/saferooms.html
- OTC Richwood Valley Campus: richwoodvalley.otc.edu/fema-shelter/
City Tornado Shelter Procedures:
When a Tornado Watch or Warning is issued DURING the Ozark Community Center's business hours, staff will open the shelter. When a Tornado Watch or Warning is issued AFTER the center's business hours, authorized personnel will remotely unlock the doors.
Find the Tornado Shelter (see map below)
The Ozark Community Center Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 5 am - 10 pm
- Saturday: 7 am - 10 pm
- Sunday: 11 am - 8 pm
Check Holiday Hours HERE: ozarkmissouri.com/97/The-Ozark-Community-Center
The Ozark Tornado Shelter is equipped with:
- Both Men's & Women's Restrooms
- Water Fountain
- Capacity: 850
What to bring:
- Water Bottles
- Snacks, if needed
- There is bleacher-style seating, but if you would like to bring a chair, please feel free to do so.
- Animals are permitted within the shelter but must always be confined to their crates or carriers. This does not apply to trained service dogs.
About the City of Ozarks Tornado Sirens
Sirens are designed and used to warn people outside, though depending on where someone might live, they may hear them while inside. When the sirens are activated, they rotate 360 degrees and can be heard roughly a mile away.
The sirens are designed to sound for three minutes, followed by a ten-minute cooldown; otherwise, they will burn up. If a tornado warning is still in effect after the cooldown period, the sirens will sound again.
All eleven sirens are tested on the second Wednesday of every month unless severe weather is in the area. The city encourages everyone to have a plan in place for when severe weather strikes.
(Photo: Tornado Siren Coverage)