Tornado Shelter ready for the community
Dear Friend and neighbor of Licking R-VIII School:

We are pleased to announce that the licking R-VIII Community Tornado Shelter has been completed and is now ready for accessing during tornado and dangerous high wind events. The tornado shelter is located on the northwest side of the school campus located at 125 College Avenue, Licking, Mo.

The tornado shelter is owned by the Licking R-VIII School District and constructed to provide protection for the students and staff during tornado and extreme high wind events. The tornado shelter will also be available for residents in the community that do not have basements or other safe rooms that live within the protection zone that encompasses a two mile radius around the Shelter.

Due to estimated time necessary to reach the shelter after a warning has been given and the maximum capacity of 1,784 persons, including the student body and staff, the tornado shelter cannot provide shelter for those beyond the two mile radius protection zone. In the event that severe weather is pending, the Licking City Police will open and maintain the tornado shelter until the threat of severe weather has passed. Officials on location will monitor and track the storm via the Internet and online communications.

If you and/or a family member have a special need (Physical impairment, special medical alerts, aid animal, etc.) please contact the Licking R-VIII School Superintendent Office and request a Special Needs Form. Upon receipt of this form we will contact you to discuss accommodations that you  and/or your family member may need. You may also visit the school's website http://licking.k12.mo.us/community/tornadoshelter.html in order to obtain a Special Needs Form or additional information.

It is our hope that the patrons of Licking feel welcome and are well served by the presence of our Tornado Shelter.

Sincerely,
The City of Licking, Licking Police Department, Licking R-VIII Board of Education