Weather Safety
Understanding Weather Reports: Know the Definitions
An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is expected to occur, but there is no immediate threat.
A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.
A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.
IMMEDIATE ACTION ITEMS:
Do not wait for formal notification if an observable danger exists.
Staff should be monitoring weather radios, local media, and email for emergency announcements and instructions.
TORNADO WATCH DURING SCHOOL HOURS
A situation identified and broadcast by the NWS in which tornadoes are possible in the area. School staff members should remain alert for the warning signs of an approaching storm and the progression of the storm to a Tornado Warning.
1. Prepare for possible Tornado Warning and the Immediate Action Items directly below.
TORNADO WARNINGS DURING SCHOOL HOURS
1. Sound the tornado alarm.
2. Direct students to sit on the floor in the shelter areas and wait for additional instructions.
3. Ensure that students with physical disabilities have safely reached their shelter areas (staff/students can use elevators).
4. Close all room doors and hallway fire doors. If time allows close all open windows.
5. When all students are assembled in the shelter areas, they should be instructed to respond to a specific command to assume a protective posture, facing interior walls and away from the direction from which flying debris may be expected to come.
6. Stay alert for warning signs of approaching tornado.
7. DO NOT OPEN WINDOWS.
TORNADO WARNINGS NEAR DISMISSAL
1. Sound the tornado alarm.
2. Direct students to sit on the floor in the shelter areas and wait for additional instructions.
3. Ensure that students with physical disabilities have safely reached their shelter areas (staff/students can use elevators).
4. Close all room doors and hallway fire doors. If time allows close all open windows.
5. When all students are assembled in the shelter areas, they should be instructed to respond to a specific command to assume a protective posture, facing interior walls and away from the direction from which flying debris may be expected to come.
6. Stay alert for warning signs of approaching tornado.
7. DO NOT OPEN WINDOWS.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS
A storm that is characterized by the presence of heavy rain, lightning and thunder, damaging straight-line winds that can exceed 120 mph, and the possibility of large hail.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
A situation, identified and broadcast by NWS, in which conditions exist that may develop into a severe thunderstorm.
Staff should monitor their weather radios, news media and their local weather conditions and take appropriate action when necessary. Staff should have their public safety radios ready in the event of an emergency.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
A warning issued by the NWS that severe thunderstorms are occurring.
Staff should monitor their weather radios, news media and their local weather conditions and take appropriate action when necessary. Staff should have their public safety radios ready in the event of an emergency.
Stay alert for warning signs of an approaching tornado. A severe thunderstorm does not necessarily mean that a tornado will occur, but a thunderstorm often precedes a tornado. If sustained winds from a thunderstorm exceed 75 mph, evacuate the occupants of all nonmasonry buildings to the main building. It is not necessary to use the tornado shelter area until a tornado warning is issued or any of the common tornado warning signs are detected.
These storms are dangerous due to the presence of lightning. There is often confusion as to when people outdoors must seek shelter, and when it is safe to go outside following a thunder storm. Students participating in outdoor athletics are particularly at risk.
30/30 RULE FOR LIGHTNING GO INDOORS if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. STAY INDOORS for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
HIGH WIND WARNINGS WITH A FORECAST OF SUSTAINED OR GUSTING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 75 MPH
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tornadoes
Virginia experiences severe storms that produce tornadoes every year. While there is no prevention, there are steps that can, and must, be taken to protect occupants of schools from these dangerous storms. Regulation 8625 prescribes the procedures and responsibilities designed to provide protection from tornadoes.
Tornado Drills
Atleast one drill is required during the school year in the month of March. Schools shall use the Safety and Transportation Online Drill reporting application to document tornado drills.
High Winds
The National Weather Service defines high winds as 40 mph or higher for one hour or more, or the presence of wind gusts of 58 mph for one hour or more. When a High Wind Warning with forecasted sustained or gusting winds in excess of 75 MPH is issued, schools must relocate occupants of trailers and modular buildings to the main school building. Your weather radio will alert you to watches and warnings.
Thunder Storms
These storms are dangerous due to the presence of lightning. There is often confusion as to when people outdoors must seek shelter, and when it is safe to go outside following a thunder storm. Students participating in outdoor athletics are particularly at risk.
30/30 RULE FOR LIGHTNING GO INDOORS if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. STAY INDOORS for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
Hot Weather
High heat and humidity can kill. Adults working outside and student athletes are at particular risk. School personnel need to know how to prevent heat related illnesses, along with the warning signs and treatment. On hot days where there is the possibility of dangerous heat and humidity, an Ozone Action Day Alert will be posted on FCPSnet under “What's New Today”.
Cold Weather
Winter temperatures in Virginia do not often pose a severe threat to schools, and simple steps will prevent most injuries. The National Weather Service provides good information onprotection from the cold. Information regarding snow removal for schools can be accessed on the FCPSNet Facilities Management site.
Weather Radios
Every school is equipped with at least one weather radio to receive alerts from the National Weather Service. Be sure your radio is ready for use – it will provide you with important information when weather hazards are in the forecast.
School Handheld Radios
School employees who use FCPS-issued walkie-talkies can receive weather bulletins by tuning their radios to either channel 14 or channel 15. If they have not been programmed to receive the NWS broadcast, they can be modified by the DIT-Field Services Office by calling 703-764-2468.
