Hansford County Storm Safety

It is that time of year where weather can be a little unpredictable. It is important for you and your family to be informed of some safety tips that could help during times such as these.

During an impending storm, law enforcement for the City of Spearman, Hansford County, and other "spotters" will closely monitor a weather situation while being in constant contact with the National Weather Service and City officials. During a possible storm, there are resources available to receive notification of a weather emergency. Please see below those notifications.

• The National Weather Service (http://www.weather.gov/ama) is a great resource for weather and other emergency related information. The US National Weather Service Amarillo Texas on Facebook is also worth following for up to the minute news.

• The Panhandle Area Regional Information System (PARIS) is the place to sign-up to receive notices and other weather related information. The CODE RED system was used previously. The link (http://r.i-INFO.com/rc/prc) can be used to choose a location and to receive notices in an emergency situation.

Other Media Resources in Case of an Emergency:

Radar Apps

• RadarScope App (purchase is required) or a similar app

• AccuWeather

• Weather Channel App

Local News Sources

• Hansford County Reporter Statesman on Facebook

• High Plains Observer on Facebook

• KXDJ Radio (FM 98.3)

• KSPR Radio on Facebook

• Amarillo News Channels KFDA News Channel 10, KVII News Channel 7, KAMR Channel 4

What Are the Different Storm Warnings?
1. Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are likely to occur in the watch area. One should be ready
to act quickly and be able to take shelter, if needed along with taking supply kits.
2. Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted in the area or has been indicated by
radar. This would indicate to take shelter immediately.

The City of Spearman has five sirens situated throughout the City limits which will sound in

case of a storm emergency. The City of Gruver and City of Morse also have siren systems. If a siren goes off, an imminent threat to the City has been identified. This is an indication to take shelter immediately.

Public Shelter Locations

SPEARMAN
1. Spearman High School, East Doors - 403 E. 11th Ave. Spearman, TX
2. Hansford County Courthouse, Front Entrance to Basement - 15 NW St. Spearman, TX

GRUVER
1. Gruver High School, South Door - 601 Garrett Ave. Gruver, TX
2. Golden Age Center, Any Door - located on Broadway St., Gruver, TX
3. Gruver Library, North Door - 504 King Ave. Gruver, TX

MORSE
1. Pringle Morse School, Safe/Shelter Room - 100 5th St. Morse, TX

Business Shelter Locations in Spearman on Main Street and close vicinity
1. Bows and Arrows, Side Door - 300 Main Street, Spearman, TX
2. Brown, Graham, and Company - 201 W. Kenneth, Spearman, TX

More Safety Tips
1. Get to know your neighbors. In an emergency your neighbors can respond faster than

anyone else. Set up a meeting and discuss a plan of action that could work until help arrives. Keep in mind disabled and elderly persons, persons with special needs, and persons with infants and small children. It is important to make plans for childcare in case parents cannot get home.
2. You and your family may not be together when an emergency is called, so make plans on how to contact one another, how you will get back together, and discuss different situations that may occur. It is imperative to make sure everyone in the family understands the plan.
3. If there is an evacuation, please listen for instructions from City, County officials, or First Responders. All media outlets will be contacted in these types of situations. The City of Spearman, Gruver, and Morse are here to protect your safety, and your cooperation is of the utmost importance.
4. For more information on emergency preparations, please visit FEMA's Ready Site at http://www.ready.gov

We hope a storm emergency is never needed; however, due to the location of our small towns, it could occur. We want you to have the most up to date information at your disposal, so you can plan ahead for you and your family. Stay safe, Hansford County!