The Kansas Star Casino opened it's interim casino months ago, but a viewer had concerns over the facilities come severe storm season. It's meant to be an equestrian center once construction is finished, but for now the facility is open to the public for gambling.
“It's a nice lookin’ place and I imagine it's built to specs,” said gambler Chuck Kinsler.
In the event of a tornado there is a dedicated area. It has cement walls, floors and ceiling to keep people safe. Staff say it's not an official shelter to FEMA standards, but say two sets of long hallways will hamper the effects of a twister. They can't force anyone to move into the safe zone, but say they will make sure no patron is left behind on the floor.
“At any point that we feel our guests or team members might be in imminent danger we do have an evacuation plan. At that point security would start at the front of the casino and work their way back to try to encourage people to go to one of our safe areas,” said Kansas Star Casino representative Megan Strader.
While tornado drills are standard to most everyone in Kansas, running a casino has it's unique risks with chips and money involved.
“I actually had that happen in Oklahoma and they had us leave the machines, they took our information down so when the power came back up we can cash those tickets back up they could cash those tickets out and we can claim them,” said casino patron Tammy Stillabower.
Staff couldn't elaborate on security risks on their side, but they say every team member knows the drill, making sure safety is a number one priority.
“That's why we have to have a very specific plan in place. This is a very unique situation and it's something team members need to be aware of in the case of a tornado,” said Strader.
The Kansas Star Casino's permanent facilities are expected to open in early 2013. However the safe area in the equestrian center will remain their permanent and primary tornado safe zone.
