The City of Rose Hill, Kansas
Severe Weather Information

Officers will be monitoring all appropriate communications (commercial radio, Emergency Management, dispatch, etc.), as well as current weather conditions, during any threat of severe weather.

Officers will work with and assist all personnel associated with storm spotter operations.

The following persons and organizations have the authority to order activation of the City’s storm sirens:

1.    Mayor.

2.    Chief of Police

3.    Fire Chief

4.    Emergency Management.

5.    National Weather Service.

6.    Any officer engaged in storm spotter operations who observe conditions which warrant activation of the storm sirens.

Officers will begin monitoring weather conditions and communications upon receipt of a severe weather watch.

The City’s storm sirens will be activated under the following circumstances.

1.    The issuance of a Tornado Warning by the National Weather Service.

2.    By order of the Emergency Operations Center.

3.    Upon confirmation of 65 mph straight line winds which are on a direct path with the City.

4.    In the event that no official warning has been issued, the storm sirens will be activated under the following circumstances.

A.   A tornado has been spotted on the ground.

B.   A funnel with the potential of reaching the ground has been spotted.

C.   Any other weather event that possesses the potential for persons to be seriously injured or killed.

Officers will make every effort to ensure that the community as a whole has been adequately warned.  Officer’s, if need be, may use their public address systems to supplement the warning.  Officers may also use their “Hi-Lo” siren setting to supplement the warning.  In the event this is done, the officer will activate the siren only and should drive through the neighborhood(s) that are in need of additional warning

Officer’s will notify large gatherings of people (ball games, etc.) when any severe weather warning or watch has been issued.

 Upon receipt of any tornado watch or warning, the on-duty officer will immediately unlock the following churches for use as storm shelters.  Officers will also unlock the churches for any other weather event that has the potential to be life threatening.

          ·        Rose Hill Christian Church, 314 N. Rose Hill Road. {main door}
          ·        Rose Hill First Baptist Church, 1206 N. Rose Hill Road. {main door}
          ·        Rose Hill Bible Church, Rosewood & Main. {main door}
          ·        United Methodist Day Care, Main & Showalter {South Door}

•  Butler County Communications will test the storm siren system on the first Monday of each month at noon. {Weather permitting}.  Rose Hill Police Department will test the radio back-up system on the third Monday of each month at noon. {Weather permitting}  Between March and June of each year, the storm siren system will be tested EVERY Monday. {Weather permitting}
  
  THERE WILL BE NO ALL CLEAR GIVEN
  
  
  WHAT YOU SHOULD DO!
  
• Have a weather radio or portable am / fm radio with a battery back-up.
• When TV, Radio, NOAA weather service, or the City's storm sirens sound indicating a a storm warning, TAKE COVER.  Stay away from windows.  Stay off of wired telephones, turn off electronic items, unless using to receive storm information.  Go to the lowest part of your home.  If you don't have a basement go into a center hallway or bathroom and cover up with a mattress or get under something sturdy.   
• Do not go outside. Winds and lighting are as dangerous as a tornado.
• Have a storm kit ready with bottled water, first aid kit, extra clothing, include sturdy shoes and wet weather gear.
• If you are in car, find cover immediately.
• If you are in a mobile home or camper, seek safe cover. 

    If you have any questions regarding severe weather or need more information on how to prepare for severe weather season please contact:

Rose Hill Fire District: 316-776-0401
Butler County Emergency Management: 316-733-9796
Rose Hill Police Department: 316-776-0191