Understanding How Schools Decide to Close During Snow Days



When winter arrives with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and icy roads, it’s no surprise that schools often cancel classes. Every year, as the season changes, we start to wonder when the next snow day will arrive. Although it's fun to have a surprise day off, there's a lot that goes into the decision to close schools when bad weather hits.

The decision to cancel school is never made lightly. School districts consider several important factors before deciding to close or delay classes. This article explains what goes into those decisions and why it's so important to keep safety in mind during extreme winter weather.

Why Do Schools Close?

One of the main reasons schools close during snowy or icy weather is the safety of students. On bad weather days, driving can be risky. Roads can get slippery, and visibility can be poor, making it dangerous for students, staff, and bus drivers. When the roads aren’t safe for traveling, it's best for schools to cancel or delay the start of the day.

Key Factors for Deciding to Close Schools

School districts across the country have different rules for deciding when to close, but there are some general factors that most schools take into account. Here are the most common ones:

1. Severe Wind Chills: When the temperature drops too low, it can cause serious health problems like frostbite, especially for students waiting at bus stops. Wind chills that reach -25°F or lower are a big concern. At such cold temperatures, students could get frostbite in just a few minutes, so schools may close to protect their health.

2. Excessive Snow and Ice: A heavy snowstorm can make roads too dangerous to drive on. Snow and ice cause slick conditions, which makes it harder for cars, buses, and even pedestrians to stay safe. If the roads are covered in snow or ice, the chances of accidents increase, and school districts may close to avoid putting anyone at risk.

3. Neighboring School Closures: In many areas, different school districts work together to make sure all students are safe. If neighboring schools close, it's often a sign that the weather is bad enough to close schools in your area too. Parents who have children in different schools often find it more convenient if all schools close at the same time, especially if the weather is bad in the whole region.

4. Unsafe Commutes: In some cases, school buses and parents’ cars may not be able to safely drive students to school. When the commute to school becomes too risky due to snow, ice, or poor visibility, school districts will often cancel classes for the day. It's important for everyone to be aware of the road conditions and make sure that it's safe to travel before sending kids to school.

Checking for School Closures

On snowy days, it’s always a good idea to stay updated on whether school will be open or closed. To find out, parents can check their school’s website, watch the local news, or listen to a radio station. Many schools post updates as soon as they make the decision to close, and some even send out messages to parents directly.

When Schools Stay Open During Snowy Weather

While snow days are common, sometimes schools decide to stay open even when the weather is bad. If that happens, drivers need to be extra careful, especially on roads that might be icy or covered in snow. Local road commissions work 24/7 during the winter to monitor and clear roads, but even the best efforts can’t always prevent slick conditions.

It’s important to remember that when snowplows are out clearing roads, drivers need to give them plenty of space. A new law, signed by Governor Whitmer in July, requires drivers to stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows when driving. This allows snowplows to do their job of clearing the roads and makes it safer for everyone on the road. If drivers get too close to a snowplow, they might end up in an accident. Snowplows are very large, weighing between 60,000 and 80,000 pounds, so a crash could cause serious damage. The law also requires drivers to stay at least 20 feet away when a snowplow is stopped at an intersection or clearing an area.

The Importance of Staying Safe During Winter Weather

While it may be tempting to rush to work or school during a snowstorm, safety should always come first. If schools decide to stay open, it’s important for everyone to drive slowly, pay attention to road conditions, and keep a safe distance from snowplows. For those who need to wait for the bus, it’s a good idea to dress warmly and be aware of the cold to avoid frostbite.

In some areas, the weather might not be bad enough to cancel school, but it's still important to stay cautious. Schools and local authorities work hard to keep roads safe, but everyone has a role to play in making sure that they get to their destination safely. Whether it's staying at home on a snow day or carefully driving to school, the key is to keep safety in mind.

Conclusion

While snow days are a fun break from school, they are also a reminder of how important it is to stay safe during winter weather. Schools base their decisions on the conditions outside, including the temperature, snow and ice, and the safety of the commute. By understanding these factors, parents and students can make better decisions about how to handle snowy days. Always check for updates from your school and take extra precautions when the weather gets bad. Whether it’s a snow day or just a cold winter morning, safety should always come first.