Emergency Notifications

The City of Independence, KS has launched a new mass notification system for it's citizens. CivicReady is a communication service available to our citizens to receive emergency and routine notifications. You have the ability to customize your notification preferences by signing up below. Communication can be received through email, text and/or phone call according to your selections and based on address locations that you specify. The information you provide is confidential and will not be shared.

We will contact you through CivicReady in the event of an emergency or other routine events based on your subscription preferences. Below you will find signup information, recent messages sent, and available groups for you to join. Signup today to stay informed!

Designated Storm Shelters in Independence, Kansas

Memorial Hall/Civic Center

410 North Penn. Avenue
Pets must be in a carrier or on a leash

Independence High School Gymnasium

Not available during the day when school is in session

1301 North 10th Street
Use northwest entrance to the gymnasium
No Pets Allowed

Montgomery County Judicial Center Basement

300 East Main
Use south entrance
Pets must be in carriers and will be placed in a designated area

Temporary City Hall Building D

Use west basement door

811 West Laurel
Pets must be in a carrier or on a leash

Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food
• Local Maps

Additional Items to Consider:

• Prescription Medications (7 day supply), medical supplies and glasses
• Cell Phone and Charger
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Important family documents, insurance policies, identification, bank account records – water proof container
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Sleeping bag or warm blankets for each person
• Complete change of clothing – consider long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
• Household Bleach and medicine dropper – when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant.  OR in an emergency you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular liquid bleach per gallon of water.  DO NOT use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in waterproof container
• Personal hygiene items and feminine supplies
• Paper and Pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for kids
• Extra set of car and house keys
• Rain Gear

Emergency Water Supply

• Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Consider more water for hot climates, pregnant women, and for persons who are sick.
• Store at least a 3-day supply of water for each person and each pet. (Try to store 2-week supply if possible)
• Observe the expiration date for store-bought water. Replace non-store bought water every 6 months.
• Store a bottle of unsceneted liquid household chlorine bleach (label should say between 5-6% and 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite) to disinfect your water).

Make Water Safe

If tap water is clear:

• Use bleach that does not have an added scent
  • For 5-6% household liquid chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water
  • For 8.25% household liquid chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (6 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) of to 1 gallon (16 cups of water).
• Mix well and wait at least 30 minutes or more before using

If tap water is cloudy:

• Use bleach that does not have an added scent
  • For 5-6% household liquid chlorine bleach – add a little less than ¼ teaspoon (16 cups or about 1 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water.
  • 8.25% household liquid chlorine bleach – add 12 drops (or about 1 milliliter) to each 1 gallon (16 cups or water).
• Mix well and wait at least 30 minutes or more before using .

Remember that containers may need to be cleaned and sanitized before using them to store safe water:

1. Clean the container and rinse it out.
2. Use bleach that does not have an added scent
3. Add 1 teaspoon (64 drops or 5 milliliters) of household liquid bleach to 1 quart (32oz, 4 cups or about 1 liter) of water.
4. Pour this into a clean storage container, cover tightly, and shake well.  Make sure the solution coats the entire inside of the container.
5. Let sit at least 30 seconds, and then pour out the solution.
6. Let air dry OR rinse with clean water that has already been made safe, if available.
7. Pour clean water into the sanitized container with a tight lid.

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.

Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.

Making a Family Plan