Winter Weather Preparedness for Schools

School administrators should coordinate and organize information to prepare a winter weather emergency plan. The following lists suggestions to follow while designing a winter disaster preparedness plan.

Gather Information

• Know where to get weather information. Invest in buying a NOAA Weather Radio; use local media sources, the Internet and paging services.
• Know how and where to get road information: State police road conditions, city and county transportation officials, and drivers or security teams are excellent sources.

Alert Students and Staff

• Announce the weather emergency and inform students and staff to take action. Use mobile communication for bus drivers and a PA (public address) system for school staff and students.

Activate the Plan

• Determine when to activate plan. Gather information about the type of winter storm, expected impact, and time of impact on the school district. The primary decision will be whether to cancel, delay or hold classes as usual.
• In weather watch situations, immediate action will usually not be required.
• When a warning or advisory is issued, assess the weather situation by monitoring NWS forecasts, current weather conditions and road conditions.

Cancel or Delay Classes

• Determine when to cancel or delay classes. How much time do you have before the storm impacts the area? Not only must students be transported to schools safely, but also back to their homes by bus, car or on foot.
• What kind of an impact will the storm make? Will roads be impassable, or will road conditions just have a minimal effect on transportation of students, causing only slight delays.

School Bus Driver Actions

• For heavy snow or blowing and drifting snow - be familiar with alternate routes. Stay up to date on the latest forecast and maintain communication with school officials.
• For ice storms - remain alert for downed trees, utility lines and other road hazards. Be familiar with alternate routes. Stay up to date on the forecasts and maintain communication with school officials.
• For extreme cold, learn to recognize and treat symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.

Safety Instructions

• Educate school staff and students. Conduct drills and hold safety programs annually.
• Participate in Winter Weather Awareness Week campaigns.
• Contact your local emergency management agency or National Weather Service office for a speaker to discuss winter weather safety.

School administrators can visit the Ohio Department of Education Web site at
www.ode.state.oh.us or call 1-877-644-6338 for additional information.