WEATHER, SEVERE SITUATION  

Tornadoes, Hurricanes, & Thunderstorms   

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Tornadoes for Kids

Kids Know It Tornadoes

Frequently asked questions about tornadoes

Hurricane Web Sites

All school offices are equipped with battery-powered weather radios that must be turned on during school hours.
A tornado watch or severe thunderstorm warning received during school hours:

 

1. The principal or designee will notify all staff in the school.

2. Teachers will continue regular classroom activities.

3. School will dismiss at the normal hour in the regular manner; but drivers will follow regular routes using due caution.

4. Review school procedures for establishing safe areas.

A tornado warning stating that a tornado has actually been sighted .  

1. The principal or designee will receive this warning by way of the radio tuned to the weather channel, a call from the Superintendent or designee, a call from local law enforcement, or the Civil Defense Office.

2. The principal will inform the staff.

3. Staff and students will immediately proceed to the area predetermined by the school and assume a protective position to best protect the face and head.

4. Teachers will take roll and notify the principal or designee if anyone is missing.

5. The secretary will close all vaults and secure necessary records.

6. All qualified personnel will render first aid, when necessary.

7. Staff and students will not return to their classrooms until the principal or designee declares an "all-clear."

If there is not a warning, but a tornado is sighted approaching the school, the principal or designee will direct all persons to proceed as follows:  

Plan 1 - If time permits, take classes to designated area(s).

Plan 2 - If time does not permit:

§  Go to the nearest enclosed hallway, not to open corridors.

§  Avoid open spaces and outside hallways.

§  Avoid areas with large roof expanse such as the gymnasium, cafeteria or auditorium.

WEATHER, SEVERE SITUATION  

TAKE COVER PROCEDURES (Severe Weather, Civil Defense Alters, Other Emergencies )  

For the protection of all occupants of the building, it is important that everyone is informed and under­stands what to do in the event of severe weather or other emergencies that necessitate the school population taking cover. The following take cover procedures should be taught in each class:  

1.   Discuss the take cover warning.

2.   Practice the take cover position as listed below. Everyone should bend forward lowering their heads.

3.   Encourage students to remain calm and not to panic if a crisis should take place.

4.   Discuss the "all-clear" code.

Staff:  

1.   Take students to hallway or other approved location. Seat them on the floor in the hall with their backs against the lockers/walls. If necessary, double up against the locker/walls. If there is no time to move the students, have them get on the floor away from glass.

2.   Instruct students to put their heads down against their knees, cover their necks with their hands, and their faces with their arms.

A TORNADO WATCH OR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

Administrators or Designee:

1.   The superintendent or his designee will decide to close the schools based upon current weather information.

2.   If the schools close early, all procedures for the emergency closing of schools will be in effect .

HURRICANE WATCH OR WARNING