No, for many reasons, but primarily focusing on the safety of our citizens, the city does not open any public buildings as public pre-event severe weather shelters.
Yes, the city has a very robust and expansive Outdoor Warning Device system. It is intended to warn those outdoors, who may not have other means of warning. The system is activated when there is a credible threat approaching the city, and we expect our citizens to take shelter immediately. The system is tested every Tuesday at 12:00 pm beginning with Severe Awareness Week in March through the month of September. Testing will be the first Tuesday of the month during October and November. Tests may be postponed or canceled based on the current or forecast weather for the day.
Have a plan on how to deal with the various emergencies that occur in Kansas. NOAA and FEMA have developed a tool kit that can be found online that includes key information on preparedness such as how to develop an emergency plan, what to include in a plan, tips to better understand a forecast, and steps to recovery through social channels.