Merritt, OK – The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers, Wendi Holland and Richard Jones, spent April 20-23 teaching tornado safety and severe weather preparedness to Merritt Elementary kindergarten through second grade students. 

During the presentations, students learned how to prepare before severe weather strikes, where the safest places are during a tornado, and what actions to take if caught in a vehicle during dangerous weather conditions. Officers also discussed how families without storm shelters can still find safer areas inside their homes to protect themselves during a tornado emergency.

Students watched an educational tornado safety video and participated in a verbal question-and-answer session to reinforce what they learned. After successfully completing the safety lesson, each student received a Rocket’s Tornado Safety Activity Book and coloring sheets to take home and continue learning with their families.

School officials said the program helps children better understand severe weather dangers while teaching practical safety measures that could help save lives during Oklahoma’s storm season.

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