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🛡️ Where to Find Public Storm Shelters in Joplin

Severe weather is simply expected in Joplin, and while we hope it stays mild, it's always best to have a plan. If you’re out and about when the tornado sirens sound, you’ll need to know exactly where to go.

Fortunately, Joplin has several public storm shelters — and we’ve got the full list ready for you.

Each of these shelters will open automatically during a tornado warning (just look for the blue light above the door), and a trained staff member will be on site to help. You don't need to call ahead — just get there safely.

Here’s everything you need to know:

📍 Community Safe Room Locations

These shelters are located in Joplin Schools facilities and are open to the public during tornado warnings:

  • Cecil Floyd Elementary — 2201 W. 24th St.

  • Duenweg Education Center — 202 Malloy Circle

  • Eastmorland Elementary — 1131 Highview Ave.

  • Irving Elementary — 2901 S. McClelland Blvd.

  • Jefferson Elementary — 130 McKinley Ave.

  • Joplin High School — 2104 Indiana Ave.

  • Junge Stadium — 800 Junge Blvd.

  • Kelsey Norman Elementary — 1323 E. 28th St.

  • McKinley Elementary — 610 S. Forest Ave.

  • Royal Heights Elementary — 2100 Rolla St.

  • Soaring Heights Elementary — 4604 E. 20th St.

  • Stapleton Elementary — 101 E. 41st St.

  • West Central (Former School Site) — 1001 W. Seventh St.

🌀 How to know if a shelter is open: If the blue light is on, the doors are open and you are welcome inside.

⚠️ A Few Important Notes

  • Shelters open automatically when tornado sirens sound or a tornado warning is issued.

  • Pets are allowed, but they must be in an airline-approved carrier.

  • Capacity matters — shelters are designed to serve those within a half-mile radius (walking distance within about 5 minutes).

  • No special sign-up needed — if a warning is issued, head straight to the nearest shelter.

🛡️ Storm Shelter Registration

While public shelters are available, the City of Joplin strongly encourages everyone to Shelter In Place if possible during severe weather. In most cases, there simply isn’t enough time to safely reach a remote location.

If you have a personal storm shelter on your property within the City of Joplin, you can help first responders by registering your shelter with the Joplin Police Department. This way, officers will know where to look if future emergencies occur.

🗘️ More Resources

🌪️ Stay safe out there, Joplin.
And remember: when in doubt, find the blue light and get inside!

THANKS!

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