Children can be very susceptible to winter weather dangers. Their youthful enthusiasm often takes over when common sense and safety should prevail. Even if they are cold, wet or exhausted, they often are not aware of weather-related risks.

School administrators and principals need to be sensitive to the dangers winter weather can pose to children, and be prepared. Winter weather procedures and practices need to be set up before winter starts. When setting up a winter weather safety plan consider the following:

• Monitor the weather. The best source for the latest information is NOAA Weather Radio. Commercial radio or television should also be monitored. Arrangements can also be made with county sheriff's office to have critical weather forecasts relayed to the school.

• Make closure plans. All schools need to have a functional plan in regard to closures due to snow, ice or extreme cold. Make sure there is a reliable way to communicate closings to parents.

• Set guidelines for outdoor activity. During the winter months, guidelines need to be set up for outside recess periods. Temperatures and wind chills need to be checked and criteria set for when outside recess will be allowed.

• Provide driver training. School bus drivers should receive extra training on driving during winter weather. Snow and ice can often accumulate quickly and unexpectedly on roads, creating dangerous driving conditions.

• Have a communications plan. Devise a method to communicate school emergency procedures to parents and others, so they know when and why a school might close.

• Set up a supply of emergency clothing for children. Have extra mittens, hats and other items available for children who might need them.

• Plan for early morning drop-offs. Many households have two working parents. It may be necessary for some children to be brought to school early. Schools should make provisions to allow children inside school buildings as early as possible during cold weather.

See also University of Maine Cooperative Extension Emergency Response Fact Sheet #9041, "Helping Kids Cope During a Storm."

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Source: "Winter Safety for Schools," University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Cooperative Extension Service, 1995. Reviewed by Judith Graham Colburn, Extension human development specialist.

For more information on emergency preparedness, contact your county UMaine Extension office.

©1998
Published and distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Land Grant University of the state of Maine and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Cooperative Extension and other agencies of the U.S.D.A. provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.