SEVERE WEATHER - When severe weather creates hazardous conditions in Savannah-Chatham County, regular school operations may be suspended. Advance preparation in Emergency Management enables the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System to react in an appropriate manner that ensures the safety and security of all students, faculty, and staff throughout the district. The first condition for making a decision to suspend school operations is safety.
How will I know of a school closing, delay or early dismissal?
In the event school operations will be suspended, the information will be passed on to parents using several communication methods. First, information will be immediately posted online at www.sccpss.com. Second, an emergency call out will be used to communicate a recorded message with information regarding any changes to school schedule. Finally, the same information will be sent to local TV, radio, and newspapers.
Who determines a school closing, delay or early dismissal?
The decision to suspend school operation is made by the Superintendent of Schools. The superintendent will review all information as provided by key staff. District officials stay in constant contact with weather and emergency agencies including local broadcast meteorologists, the Chatham Emergency Management Agency, the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department, and others who monitor reports of existing weather hazards.
What happens if school is in session during a severe weather emergency?
When severe weather threatens, immediate emergency procedures are taken for the safety of students, faculty, and staff. This includes appropriate action during a sudden weather event and the orderly dismissal should school operations be suspended before the end of the school day. School principals make key decisions about the safety of all students and personnel under their supervision, and perform regular emergency preparedness exercises as required by the District’s Emergency Management department.
Where can I find up to date information on my school during emergency/severe weather situations?
Continuous updates will be posted online at www.sccpss.com and released to all local media outlets. Depending on the severity of a weather occurrence, the Savannah-Chatham’s district website may move to an emergency backup website. In this situation, only information related to the emergency and the status of schools will be displayed.
HURRICANE SEASON 2011 - A hurricane has the potential to cause a county-wide evacuation. The Savannah-Chatham School District works closely with weather and emergency agencies to monitor a potential landfall. The decision to suspend school operation in this situation will be made by the Superintendent of Schools. Parents will be notified through various communication channels, including an automated call out system, email, online, and the local media.
In the event of a county-wide evacuation, the District website (www.sccpss.com) will shift to emergency mode. Only information regarding the evacuation, as it relates to school operation, will be displayed. Announcements regarding school closures, transportation, school openings, and contact information are some of the key items that will be posted.
The 2011 Hurricane Season started on June 1st and ends November 30th.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates an above-normal hurricane outlook in 2011 for the Atlantic basin. According to NOAA, for the six-month season, the following ranges are predicted for this year: 12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which: 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including: 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). Each of these ranges carry a 70% likelihood, and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. Parents should monitor local news reports and continually check the SCCPSS website for critical information.
Hurricane Preparedness:
The hazards associated with a hurricane come in many forms, including storm surge, flooding, high winds, and tornadoes. It is important for your family to have a plan in the event a hurricane threatens our area. The following links offer valuable information that every parent should know.
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