A southeast Kansas school district is changing its protocol for storm shelters after a school hadn’t been unlocked when a recent tornado hit.

Two elementary schools were unlocked before the tornado struck Baxter Springs April 27. But a shelter at Baxter Springs Middle School wasn’t unlocked in time, leaving those who drove there to seek shelter elsewhere.

The incident prompted the school board to change its protocol for opening the shelters during a meeting last week.

Superintendent Dennis Burke told The Joplin Globe that shelter wasn’t open in time because of the warning came so close to the storm.

He says the district is adding more signs at shelters directing people to the unlocked doors. They’re also buying radio communications systems in case cellphones can’t be used.