WEATHER RELATED EMERGENCY
Watches: Indicate that conditions are right for development of a weather hazard. Watches cover a larger area than Warnings. Watches usually have lead times of approximately 1-2 hours (tornado or thunderstorm), 3-12 hours (flash flood), and 12-36 hours (river flood or winter storm).
Warnings: Indicate that a hazard is imminent and the probability of occurrence is extremely high. Warnings are issued based on eyewitness reports or clear signatures from remote sensing devices (radar, satellite). Warnings usually have lead times of approximately 30 minutes or less (for thunderstorm type events), and 6-18 hours (for river floods and winter storms). The NOAA Radio should be programmed on hand held radios and/or digital Wi-Fi enabled devices. If electricity were lost weather information would still be available. If generators are not available, alternative energy sources such as solar or crank may be used.
Advisories: Issued when weather is expected to disrupt normal routines, but is not expected to be life threatening (e.g., 2-3 inches of snow, dense fog, etc.). Advisory lead times are the same as Warnings.
Upon Issuance of a Watch or Advisory
Principal / Designee:
- Activate appropriate members of school Emergency Response Team to be alert for possible change in weather status
- Monitor weather reports for change in conditions
- Document actions and complete incident reports
Upon Issuance of a Warning
Principal / Designee:
- Implement procedure for use of Safe Zones for Severe Weather
- All students and staff proceed to designated Safe Zones for Severe Weather
- Remain quiet to hear further instructions
- Occupants of portable classrooms should move quickly to the main building to designated Safe Zones for Severe Weather
- Follow standard student accounting and reporting procedures
- Remain in the Safe Zones for Severe Weather until the "all clear" is given
- In the event of building damage, students should be evacuated to safer areas of the building or away from the building
- If evacuation occurs, do not re-enter the building until given the "all clear"
- Document actions and complete incident reports