Oklahoma School District Okays Tornado Helmet Purchase

The Duncan Board of Education has approved the purchase of 4,500 skateboard helmets for students and employees to wear in case of a tornado.

The board spent $34,650 on the helmets with funds raised by the Cover Our Kids campaign in Duncan. The campaign was created in response to the May 2013 tornado in Moore, Okla., which killed seven schoolchildren.

Superintendent Sherry Labyer says the helmets will be available for use during the upcoming school year. She tells The Duncan Banner that three sizes of helmets will be available for use in elementary through high school and for employees.

Moore schools have already purchased helmets, and Chickasha is beginning its campaign to buy helmets for students.

The group also hopes to raise money for protective blankets.