It has recently come to our attention that the city of Bartlesville is planning to remove the broken tornado siren on campus instead of repairing or replacing it. Tornado Sirens are our first defense to properly get our children to safety.

Last summer the city planned to repair the siren. In October, they changed their plan and said they would replace it. This month, their new plan is to remove it entirely. The city’s position is that there are enough other tornado sirens in the area to legally provide adequate coverage. However, there are classrooms in the school that are unable to hear those sirens (the classrooms on the far side of the school as well as classes that might be doing a louder activity when the sirens sound). There would also be some of the surrounding neighborhoods that might not be in range of current sirens if this one is removed.

With tornado season quickly approaching and the recent devastationin close proximity to our city, we are hoping that by raising our concerns, the City of Bartlesville will repair or replace this needed safety precaution instead of removing it.

Example email:

Keith Henry-

I would like the City of Bartlesville to keep the tornado siren located on Wayside school. I feel that it is a necessary safety precaution for our children and our community. The siren could save lives in the event of a tornado in our area.

Thank you,