Salina USD 305
Weather Safety – School Year 2008-2009

The safety of all students, staff and visitors is a top priority for Salina USD 305. Weather-related emergencies are of special concern during the next few months. For most weather-related activities it is not necessary to close schools. For example, we do not close for tornado watches or warnings. We have emergency procedures that we follow for these situations. We practice these procedures with our students and staff on a regular basis.

During the School Day: If you want to pick up your child during a tornado watch, that is your choice to make. However, during an active tornado warning – which means a tornado has been sighted in the area – students will not be allowed to leave the building. If you come to the school during a tornado warning, you will be allowed in and expected to proceed to the designated storm shelter area along with all students, staff and visitors.

Bus Routes: If a tornado warning (meaning a tornado has been sighted) is issued while students are on buses, the buses will proceed to the nearest school and students will take shelter in that school. Once emergency officials have issued an “all clear,” bus routes will resume and students will be returned safely home.

Communication: Communication is critical during any crisis. The school district will use Salina-area media, including radio and television stations, to update parents during emergency situations.

It is not necessary to call the school to inform us that a tornado or thunderstorm warning/watch has been issued. All schools carefully monitor weather conditions through multiple sources, including:

·        NOAA weather radio (with alarm system)

·        The Weather Channel

·        Direct contact with Saline County EMS officials

Generally, the schools get severe weather alerts before they are broadcast on TV or Radio. By the time you are notified at home we have already activated emergency procedures at school.

After-School and Extra-Curricular Activities: During periods of severe weather, students will not be allowed outside to participate in after-school activities or extra-curricular events. We also monitor weather conditions in other parts of the state before allowing students to travel to any extra-curricular activities. It is possible that we will cancel our participation in events if we believe travel conditions to be life-threatening.