![]() ![]() This will depend on the number of students, distance from the shelter, amount of space, etc. Travel Time - You should pick shelters where you can get students safely inside within three minutes.Also take into account non-routine school activities or other times the buildings are being used. Shelter Considerations - There are many things to consider when mapping out your shelter areas. You have to assume ceiling failure will occur. Avoid large span ceiling rooms like gymnasiums, auditoriums, and cafeterias.Avoid exterior class rooms or rooms with many windows.A hallway that zig-zags will be less likely to create a wind tunnel and should be relatively safer than a straight hallway. Hallways can also become a wind tunnel with dangerous debris flying through them. If the hallway has glass doors at the end, it may not be a good choice. ![]() Interior hallways are usually another good option, but avoid getting too close to outside door openings.Offices or bathrooms are usually favored locations. Interior, small rooms usually offer the best protection.Ideally students should be moved to the lowest level(s) possible, to interior rooms away from exterior walls and windows that may certainly fail in the event of a tornado or strong, damaging winds. You may also want to invite local fire department personnel, emergency management, or a building engineer to assist. Use a map of the school and physically tour the building(s) with your top school officials. You'll need to determine your designated shelter areas. Physical Layout of School/Buildings - Closely examine the layout of your structure. ![]() The plan for your school will have to be tailored to your particular set up. Your county emergency management director or the National Weather Service (NWS) can assist in this process and provide guidance. In fact, this entire document could be considered part of the plan. If you currently do not have a severe weather action plan for your school, developing the plan will be a large part of your preparedness work. These outlooks are also broadcast over NOAA Weather Radio between 6 AM and Noon. Outlooks are available in both graphical form or a text format. Hazardous Weather Outlooks (HWO) are issued daily from the National Weather Service (NWS) and can alert you of expected hazards out to seven days in the future. This will help you understand the range of possibilities and limitations you have to plan for. Do you know what a "WATCH" and WARNING" are? Educate yourself on severe weather and how the warning process works. Preparedness is easier when you understand the possible threat(s) and "lingo" used in the business. Perhaps the most important part in this process is being ready BEFORE severe weather strikes. However, if there is one idea that works in nearly all scenarios, it is this: "Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible."Īdditional reference material is listed at the bottom of this page. Remember that there is no one solution that fits every case every storm is different and may bring different threats.Ī unique plan should be developed for your school using the guidelines below, your experience, and local considerations. These guidelines were developed for school administrators and emergency management personnel to help develop a preparedness plan that fits their school. Severe weather preparedness is essential for all schools. Severe Weather Preparedness Guide for Schools ![]()
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