The Norman Public School District is one of only 2,400 certified locations throughout the United States to be certified “storm ready” by the National Weather Service. As a StormReady Supporter district, Norman Public Schools are better prepared for severe weather through advanced planning, education and awareness. A team comprised of National Weather Service representatives and school safety officials have reviewed the district’s safety and awareness plans and work together on an ongoing basis to focus on student safety. District officials have also collaborated with the National Weather Service, the City of Norman’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Weather Decision Technologies and multi-disciplinary teams including engineers, architects and others to identify safe sheltering locations for students.

Additionally, all schools have storm shelters that can house the entire student body and staff during severe weather and other emergencies.

• Students will be moved to safe shelter locations when a tornado warning is in effect. 

• Parents who wish to retrieve their students amid severe weather may do so until sirens are activated in Norman. When sirens have been activated, all school personnel will be unable to serve parents as they will be in the school’s safe shelter location.

• Only individuals who have been previously approved to pick up students will be allowed to sign a student out. The process will be streamlined to the extent possible without compromising student safety. No students will be released after the sirens have been activated as students and staff will be in safe shelter locations.

• School buses will not begin afternoon routes if the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Norman and/or Cleveland County or if the weather service has communicated with the district that a transportation delay would be prudent.

• If a warning occurs after buses have departed, buses will be diverted to the nearest school. Parents will be notified of any transportation delays.

• Prior to a tornado warning being issued, students who drive may leave independently only if a parent or guardian has notified the school. However, when a tornado warning for the area is in effect and/or sirens have been activated, students will not be permitted to leave independently.

• The Norman Public School District’s schools and facilities are not equipped to serve as community storm shelters.