Emergency Management
ALL HAZARD OUTDOOR WARNING SIREN ACTIVATION POLICY
The activation of the alert tone on the Outdoor Warning Siren for the City of Independence shall constitute an emergency for the City of Independence and residents need to seek shelter and tune into the local media to gather further information on the emergency, as danger exists beyond a reasonable doubt to human life from weather-related hazard or a Hazardous Material Incident.
The following Criteria shall be the basis for siren activation:
- Any time the City of Independence is included in a National Weather Service (NWS) issued Tornado Warning polygon, the siren will be sounded in the community.
- An NWS radar signature of strong, persistent rotation, preferably confirmed by a trained spotter, or a trained spotter report of a tornado, funnel cloud or potentially life-threatening weather event within 10 miles of Independence and in the path of the event.
- Straight-line winds in excess of 75 mph, often indicative of damaging straight-line winds associated with a Severe Thunderstorm.
- Potentially life-threatening or damaging hail of 2.50” (baseball) in diameter or larger (tennis ball size or larger)
- Or a large scall Hazardous Materials Spill that could harm the general public if action is not taken.
THE ACTIVATION OF THE OUTDOOR SIRENS SHALL MEAN THAT CITIZENS SHOULD MOVE TO A PLACE OF SAFETY. DETAILED INFORMATION SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE LCOAL MEDIA AS TO SPECIFIC ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY THE PUBLIC AND THAT THE SIRENS SHALL NOT BE USED TO ISSUE ALL-CLEAR SIGNAL.
Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food
- Local Maps
Additional Items to Consider:
- Prescription Medications (7 day supply), medical supplies and glasses
- Cell Phone and Charger
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Important family documents, insurance policies, identification, bank account records – water proof container
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Sleeping bag or warm blankets for each person
- Complete change of clothing – consider long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
- Household Bleach and medicine dropper – when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. OR in an emergency you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular liquid bleach per gallon of water. DO NOT use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in waterproof container
- Personal hygiene items and feminine supplies
- Paper and Pencil
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for kids
- Extra set of car and house keys
- Rain Gear
Emergency Water Supply
- Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Consider more water for hot climates, pregnant women, and for persons who are sick.
- Store at least a 3-day supply of water for each person and each pet. (Try to store 2-week supply if possible)
- Observe the expiration date for store-bought water. Replace non-store bought water every 6 months.
- Store a bottle of unsceneted liquid household chlorine bleach (label should say between 5-6% and 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite) to disinfect your water).
Make Water Safe
If tap water is clear:
- Use bleach that does not have an added scent
- For 5-6% household liquid chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water
- For 8.25% household liquid chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (6 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) of to 1 gallon (16 cups of water).
- Mix well and wait at least 30 minutes or more before using
If tap water is cloudy:
- Use bleach that does not have an added scent
- For 5-6% household liquid chlorine bleach – add a little less than ¼ teaspoon (16 cups or about 1 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
- 8.25% household liquid chlorine bleach – add 12 drops (or about 1 milliliter) to each 1 gallon (16 cups or water).
- Mix well and wait at least 30 minutes or more before using .
Remember that containers may need to be cleaned and sanitized before using them to store safe water:
- Clean the container and rinse it out.
- Use bleach that does not have an added scent
- Add 1 teaspoon (64 drops or 5 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 quart (32oz, 4 cups or about 1 liter) of water.
- Pour this into a clean storage container, cover tightly, and shake well. Make sure the solution coats the entire inside of the container.
- Let sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour out the solution.
- Let air dry OR rinse with clean water that has already been made safe, if available.
- Pour clean water into the sanitized container with a tight lid.
Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.
Emergency Shelters
The City of Independence does not have a public storm shelter. It is the citizens' responsibility to have a plan in place.
Severe Thunderstorm – a thunderstorm that could produce high winds greater than 50 mph, heavy rainfall, and hail 1” or larger. Severe Thunderstorms can produce a tornado with little or no advance warning.
Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are likely to occur in the watch area. Be ready to act quickly and take shelter, and check supply kits. Monitor radio and television stations for more information.
Tornado Warning - Imminent threat - A tornado has been sighted in the area or indicated by radar. Take shelter immediately.
In the event of a severe thunderstorm warning:
- Seek shelter indoors in a sturdy building and move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors.
In the event of a tornado, the public should do the following to keep your family safe:
- HOME
- Go to a basement below ground level or the lowest floor. Avoid rooms with windows and put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
- Small interior room such as closet, bathroom or interior hall
- Close all doors to the hallway or room.
- Protect yourself from flying debris with blankets, quilts, or heavy coats.
- Use a bicycle or helmet to protect your head, if available
- Mobile Home
- Leave well before the approaching severe weather and go to a strong building.
- If no shelter is nearby, get into the nearest ditch or low spot, covering your head with your hands for protection.
City Hall – 120 N. 6th Street: is open 24/7, but it is not a storm shelter.
Emergency Notifications
The City of Independence, KS has launched a new mass notification system for it's citizens. Regroup Signup is a communication service available to our citizens to receive emergency and routine notifications. You have the ability to customize your notification preferences by signing up below. Communication can be received through email, text and/or phone call according to your selections and based on address locations that you specify. The information you provide is confidential and will not be shared.
We will contact you through Regroup Signup in the event of an emergency or other routine events based on your subscription preferences. Below you will find signup information, recent messages sent, and available groups for you to join. Signup today to stay informed!