Worcester’s School Cancellation Policy Challenges Parents
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Tuesday, February 09, 2016
On early Sunday evening the City of Worcester issued a parking ban for the impending snow storm. Boston and Providence had both canceled school for Monday.
Meteorologists predicted between 6 and 12 inches and the storm had been forecasted for a full week. But, Worcester School Department did not announce school cancelation until 5 a.m. on Monday - the storm had already begun. The Worcester School Department defends the timing of the decision.
On Monday morning, parents were left scrambling for childcare and resetting work schedules. GoLocal asked parents on Facebook if morning cancelations made things more difficult. Hundreds of parents responded and nearly 100 commented. As one mother wrote, “ The night before is much easier for everyone. 5AM is way too late to call it. And we didn't get the phone call until almost 6AM. My daughter was already up and getting ready for school by then, because her bus comes at 6:30. It was a bit ridiculous today.”
Another Worcester parent wrote, “I noticed how Worcester waits the last minute. I was up a few times during the night to see if there was a cancelation so I can get my son out the door he catches his bus early. If I new I wouldn't have to get him up at 5:30. And what about small children parents still have to work do they take that into consideration.”
Lack of Coordination in Worcester
It is unclear how schools can be open on a day when the city has implemented a parking ban. Many faculty and high school students park on streets around their respectful schools. As Worcester implements parking bans, it is difficult to operate Worcester Schools - especially the high schools.
Worcester Schools Defend the Process
Acting Superintendent Marco Rodrigues defends the School Department’s process. He claims it needs to operate on a different level parking.
“The district take into consideration many factors before closing the schools but parking ban is not one of them,” said Rodrigues.
“Any time the forecast suggest that a significant snow storm is approaching, we monitor multiple media outlets and rely on hour by hour weather reports to determine if we: 1. Can we safely transport student to school and 2. Can we safely transport students back home.”
On Sunday night the Worcester School Department also faced technology issues with their website, although that did not delay their decision-making.
“Our Facilities personnel maintain communication with the City to learn their timelines for when the roads will be treated, especially during and after a snow storm,” said Rodrigues.
Related Slideshow: 10 Things You Need to Know Before the Next Blizzard - 2016
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Is Your Car Ready
Is your car ready for the Blizzard?
Assemble a Winter Emergency Car Kit Checklist (see below)
Keep your gas tank at least half-full to prevent your fuel line from freezing.
Install good winter tires with adequate tread and pressure.
Check your antifreeze, battery, defroster, windshield wipers, wiper fluid, and other vehicle equipment to make sure they are ready for winter driving.
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Auto Checklist
Assemble a Winter Emergency Car Kit Checklist
Your winter emergency car kit should include:
Flashlight with extra batteries
Charged cellphone and automobile charger
Basic first aid kit
Necessary medications
Pocket knife
Blankets or sleeping bags
Extra clothes (including rain gear, boots, mittens, socks)
High-calorie non-perishable foods (dried fruits, nuts, canned food)
Manual can opener
Container of water
Windshield scraper and brush
Fire extinguisher
Shovel Sand, road salt, or cat litter for traction
Tire chains or traction mats
Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
Tow rope
Battery jumper cables
Road flares/reflectors
Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
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Fall through the ice
Do not go out onto the ice to try to rescue a person or pet.
Reach-Throw-Go:
Try to reach the victim from shore. Extend your reach with a branch, oar, pole, or ladder to try to pull the victim to safety.
If unable to reach the victim, throw them something to hold onto (such as a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or life preserver).
Go for help or call 911 immediately.
If you fall in, use cold water safety practices:
Try not to panic.
Turn toward the direction you came from and place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, moving forward by kicking your feet.
Once back onto unbroken ice, remain lying down and roll away from the hole.
Crawl back toward land, keeping your weight evenly distributed.
If you can’t get back on the ice, use the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP):
Bring your knees up toward your chest.
Cross your arms and hold them close to your body.
Keep your legs together.
Try to keep your head out of the water.
Do not try to swim unless a boat, floating object, or shore is close by. Swimming in cold water cools your body and reduces survival time.
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Pets indoor
If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pets. Don’t keep your pets outdoors for long periods of time during very cold weather. Short-coated dogs may need a coat or sweater during walks
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If outdoors
If you have outdoor dogs, make sure they have a dry, draft-free doghouse that:
Is large enough for pets to sit and lie down in, but small enough to retain their body heat.
Has a floor that is elevated a few inches off the ground and is covered with cedar shavings or straw.
Has an entrance that faces away from heavy winds and is covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.
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Salt and feet
Salt and other chemicals used to melt ice and snow can harm your pet’s feet.
Gently rub the bottom of your pet’s paws with a damp towel to remove these irritants after a walk, or buy dog boots to prevent paw irritation during winter weather.
You should also look for signs that your pet’s feet are uncomfortably cold, which could include them frequently lifting up their paws, whining, or stopping.
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Roof Snow
Do's
Use a snow rake (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from pitched roofs.
Start from the edge and work your way up the roof.
Try to shave the snow down to 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep all ladders, shovels, and roof rakes away from utility wires.
Plastic shovels are usually best. Metal tools may cause damage to your roof.
Shovel snow from flat roofs by throwing the snow over the side away from the building.
Carefully remove large icicles if they're hanging over doorways and walkways.
Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
Have someone outside with you to assist.
Keep gutters and drains clean and free of ice, snow, and other debris, and keep downspouts clean at ground level.
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Roof snow
Don'ts
Don’t stand on or place heavy equipment on the roof unless approved by a registered professional engineer.
Don’t use a ladder, since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots. If using a ladder, be extra cautious during cold and icy weather.
Don’t use blow torches, open flames, or electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
Don’t try to remove ice or icicles from utility wires or meters. Call your utility company for assistance.
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Extreme Cold Home
Don’t stand on or place heavy equipment on the roof unless approved by a registered professional engineer.
Don’t use a ladder, since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots. If using a ladder, be extra cautious during cold and icy weather.
Don’t use blow torches, open flames, or electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
Don’t try to remove ice or icicles from utility wires or meters. Call your utility company for assistance.
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