Public tornado shelters in Butler County

Caileane Thurston
Special to the Times-Gazette

In Butler County the importance of storm safety and being prepared for severe weather events is very important. According to the National Weather Service, the most recent tornado to impact Butler County significantly occurred on April 29, 2022, in Andover. This EF3 tornado moved for approximately 12.9 miles, with estimated peak wind speeds of 155 mph. It caused significant damage, destroying several homes and the Andover YMCA.

Knowing the locations of tornado shelters can be lifesaving during these times. To stay informed, have a plan and know the nearest shelter locations. The public Butler County shelters in each city/town are:

Andover – City Hall, 1609 E Central Ave; Andover Public Library, 1511 E Central Ave. Both locations are only open during business hours and if there is a threat of tornado.
Augusta – Does not have a city provided shelter. Always be aware of tornado warnings and sirens.
Benton – Benton Middle School – 14697 SW 20th Street.
Cassoday – Cassoday Elementary School, 200 Washington Street. Library or Pre-K room are tornado shelter rooms. Open only during active tornado warnings.
Douglass – Douglass High School, 910 East 1st.
El Dorado – El Dorado City Hall, 220 E. 1st Ave; El Dorado Senior Center, 210 E. Second
Leon – Leon Senior Center – 112 S. Main
Rose Hill – Rose Hill Christian Church, 314 N. Rose Hill Road; Rose Hill First Baptist Church, 1206 N. Rose Hill Road; Rose Hill Bible Church, Rosewood & Main; United Methodist Day Care, Main & Showalter (South door)
Towanda – Butler County Interlocal School – 516 North St. Open only during active tornado warnings. No pets allowed.
Rosalia: Flint Hills High School locker rooms – 806 SE Rosalia Rd
Whitewater: Remington Middle School – 316 E Topeka St
Potwin – Remington Elementary School – 200 E Ellis Ave.

These shelters are meant to provide safety to all. To stay more weather aware – one of the most reliable ways is to have multiple sources for weather updates including broadcast television, NOAA weather radio, social media, a weather app, and keeping your notifications on loud during severe weather. The Times-Gazette also provides live updates during severe weather on their website and on Facebook. Receiving immediate alerts could save lives. For further questions regarding public shelter, contact your local city officials.

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