School+Closing+and+Severe+Weather

=School Closing and Severe Weather/Natural Disasters=

In cases of snow or other inclement weather, it may be necessary for the Academy to cancel or post-pone classes. Any decision of this nature will be announced on the Academy web site and voice mail system as well as the local television and radio stations listed below. The decision/announcement will be in one of two forms; either as a "no school" or a "delayed start."

SCHOOL VOICE MESSAGE: (508) 754-5302 or (508) 831-3823 ext. 599 SCHOOL WEB SITE: www.worcesteracademy.org RADIO STATIONS: WTAG – 580 AM, WSRS – 96.1 FM TV STATIONS: WCVB – Channel 5, WHDH – Channel 7

If school is canceled, the dining hall will serve meals to boarders on the weekend schedule. Athletic practices, contests, or extracurricular activities may be held on a voluntary basis, with no penalty incurred by a day student who does not participate.

In the case of a "delayed start," the academic day will begin at 9:00 AM. Classes will follow the rotation originally scheduled for the day in question. A hot breakfast will be served from 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM, with a continental breakfast running from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. Day students must sign in and will be billed for breakfast.

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.

The results can range from isolation due to blocked roads and downed power lines to the havoc of cars and trucks sliding on icy highways. Below are tips that will keep you and your family safe.

What Do To Before the Winter Season

 * Know the terms used by weather forecasters:**
 * Freezing rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground.
 * Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground
 * Winter Weather Advisory: issued when cold, ice and snow are expected.
 * Winter Storm Watch: issued when severe winter weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible within the next day or two.
 * Winter Storm Warning: issued when severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin.
 * Blizzard Warning: issued when heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.
 * Frost/Freeze Warning: issued when below freezing temperatures are expected.


 * Gather emergency supplies:**
 * A battery powered NOAA weather radio and a battery powered commercial radio; extra batteries.
 * Food that does not require cooking.
 * Extra water in clean soda bottles.
 * Rock salt to melt ice on walkways; sand to improve traction.
 * Flashlights and battery powered lamps and extra batteries in case of a power outage. Candles are a fire hazard. See Emergency Supplies Checklist.


 * Prepare for possible isolation in your home:**
 * Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel.
 * Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace or a wood burning stove or fireplace.)
 * If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.
 * Keep fire extinguishers on hand.
 * Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply:
 * Insulate walls and attics.
 * Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
 * Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

What To Do During a Winter Storm

 * Listen to the radio or television for weather reports and emergency information.
 * Dress for the season:
 * Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garment should be tightly woven and water repellent.
 * Mittens are warmer than gloves.
 * Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
 * Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cold air.
 * Be careful when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack.
 * Watch for signs of frostbite - a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
 * Watch for signs of hypothermia - uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get medical help immediately.
 * When at home, conserve fuel if necessary by keeping your house cooler than normal. Temporarily "close off" heat to some rooms.

Winter Driving Tips

 * If a blizzard traps you in your car:**
 * Pull off the highway. Set your hazard lights to "flashing" and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window.
 * Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful: Distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
 * Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.
 * Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
 * Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look out for rescue crews.
 * Be careful not to use-up battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat and radio - with supply.
 * At night, turn on the inside dome light so work crews can see you.
 * If stranded in a remote rural or wilderness area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane. Once the blizzard passes, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot.

Flood Tips
Floods are the most common and widespread of all-natural hazards. Be aware of flood hazards, especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam.

What To Do Before a Flood

 * Know the terms used to describe flooding:
 * Flood Watch Issued when flooding is possible. Stay tuned to NOAA radio or commercial radio or television for additional information.
 * Flash Flood Watch Issued when flash flooding is possible. Move to higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warning. Listen to NOAA radio or commercial radio or television for additional information.
 * Flood Warning Issued when flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
 * Flash Flood Warning Issued when a flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground on foot immediately.
 * Urban and Small Stream Advisory Issued when flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is occurring.
 * Learn the elevation level of your property. This will help you know how your property will be affected when flood levels are forecasted.
 * Identify dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard.
 * Ask your local emergency manager about official flood warning signals. Learn what to do when you hear them. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup.
 * Be prepared to evacuate. Learn your community’s flood evacuation routes and where to find high ground.
 * Talk to your family about flooding. Plan a place to meet your family in case you are separated from one another. Choose an out-of-state contact for everyone to call to say they are okay.
 * Determine any special needs your neighbors might have.
 * Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Include a battery-operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid supplies, sleeping supplies and clothing. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water. See Emergency Supplies Checklist.
 * Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Know where gas pilots are located and how the heating system works.
 * Consider purchasing flood insurance.
 * Make a record of your personal property. Take photographs of or videotape your belongings and store them in a safe place.
 * Keep insurance policies, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from your home.

What To Do During Heavy Rains

 * Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
 * Listen to radio or television stations for local information.
 * Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.
 * If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate.
 * Secure your home.
 * If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
 * Fill your car with fuel.
 * Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first.
 * Stay away from floodwaters. They could be contaminated.
 * Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
 * Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground.
 * When deep flooding is likely, permit the floodwaters to flow freely into the basement of your home (or flood the basement yourself with clean water, if you are sure it will be flooded anyway). This will avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house by equalizing the water pressure on the outside of the basement walls and floors.

What To Do After a Flood

 * Stay away from floodwaters. The water may be contaminated by oil gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
 * Stay away from moving water.
 * Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
 * Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
 * Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
 * Continue listening to a battery-powered radio for information.
 * Consider your family’s health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
 * Contact your insurance agent. To prepare:
 * Take photos of or videotape your belongings and your home.
 * Separate damaged and undamaged belongings.
 * Locate your financial records.
 * Keep detailed records of cleanup costs.

Terms to Know

 * Severe Thunderstorm Watch**: issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and close to the watch area. The watch is issued to alert you to the possibility that thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail may develop. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local media weather updates and stay informed!


 * Severe Thunderstorm Warning**: issued when a severe thunderstorm has been spotted and is going to move through your county soon. The key is to remain CALM, but take precautionary action IMMEDIATELY to protect your life and property.

Act Now to be Prepared
Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:
 * Flashlight and extra batteries.
 * Battery operated radio and extra batteries.
 * First aid kit and manual.
 * Emergency food and water.
 * Non-electric can opener.
 * Essential medicines.
 * Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards.
 * See Emergency Supplies Checklist.

Before the Storm

 * Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors.
 * Watch for signs of approaching storms.
 * If a storm is approaching, keep a NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM radio with you.
 * Postpone outdoor activities if storms are imminent.
 * Check on neighbors who require special assistance: infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

During the Storm
Remember: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.


 * Move to a sturdy building or car. DO NOT take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
 * If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up.
 * Get out of boats and away from water.
 * Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phones only in an emergency.
 * Do not take a bath or shower.
 * Turn off air conditioners. Power can overload the compressors.
 * Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible. DO NOT attempt to drive to safety. Most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.

If you are caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby:
 * Find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
 * If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
 * If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible; minimize your contact with the ground.

After the Storm

 * Check on neighbors who may require special assistance: infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
 * Avoid all downed power lines. Assume that all have live electricity.
 * Continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and your local media for latest weather updates.