Storm Shelters

Derby is seeking Storm Shelter volunteers to help open and staff the Derby Middle School and Fire Station #82 shelters during an emergency. If you are interested, fill out our online application: 

Storm Shelter Volunteer Form



During tornadoes and severe weather, the City of Derby encourages all residents to have an emergency plan. 

This plan should include options for sheltering in place as well as knowing how to find information on locations that may be opened as storm shelters. Part of any plan should include evacuation planning, which involves gathering things such as medications, insurance documents, clothing, bedding, bottled water and non-perishable food before the need to evacuate arises. Residents also need to consider plans for pets, including food and a kennel.

There are five locations that may be opened as storm shelters, subject to volunteer availability to open and staff the shelter locations. The City's Shelter Coordinator will monitor severe weather and will make the decision to formally open shelters when tornadic activity is considered imminent with the anticipated arrival of tornadic storms in the Derby area within the next hour or two based on weather bulletins issued by the National Weather Service.

This decision, as well as information on which shelters will be opened, will be posted on the City's social media platforms. 

Fire Station #82 - always open during tornado warnings

1401 N. Rock Rd.


Fire Station #82 will be accessible via firefighters at the station or by calling 316-788-1557 when the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch that includes Sedgwick County and the City anticipates being in the imminent path of developing storms. The shelter will be staffed at the direction of the City's Shelter Coordinator.
  • Storm safe room in the basement.
  • Park north of the fire station (do NOT block emergency equipment exits) and enter the east door upstairs. There is a handicap accessible entrance on the west side.
  • Animals are allowed at this location and crates are available for use.

Derby Middle School - open based on facility and volunteer availability

801 E. Madison


The shelter at Derby Middle School may be opened during the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. during the months of March through June, provided there are no conflicts with school activities and volunteers are available to staff the shelter.  The Shelter Coordinator may make the decision to open when the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch that includes Sedgwick County and the City anticipates being in the imminent path of developing storms. 
  • Open 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the months of March through June during tornado warnings
  • Park on east side of gym and in football stadium parking lot. Enter auxiliary gym on east side through Door 4A.
  • Animals are allowed.

The three church locations are opened based upon volunteer availability. Volunteers will be contacted about opening church shelters when the arrival of a tornadic storm in the Derby area appears imminent.


​South Rock Christian Church - open based upon volunteer availability

900 S. Rock Rd.


  • Enter the church on the west side. 
  • Animals are not allowed.

Pleasantview Baptist Church - open based upon volunteer availability


1335 N. Buckner


  • Enter the church on the south side.
  • Animals are not allowed.

Woodlawn United Methodist Church - open based upon volunteer availability


431 S. Woodlawn Blvd.


  • Enter the church on the southeast side.
  • Animals are not allowed.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer, contact Shelter Coordinator Dave Foster at davefoster@derbyweb.com.