A lot of parents would like to know how cold it has to be for a school to cancel. The weather can play a big role in how long a school is open, as schools must remain safe for the students and staff. These factors make it difficult to provide classes on days when the temperature drops below freezing.
Some local areas offer extreme weather make-up days in the event classes are canceled due to cold temperatures. Depending on your state laws and school rules, these make-up days may not be mandated by law.
A lot of students are required to have coats, hats, and gloves for classes. If weather conditions are predicted to reach freezing or below before classes begin, many schools will likely cancel school as a cautionary measure.
Sometimes it can be extremely cold when schools are closed. The extreme cold can occur in the afternoon, during the day, or at any time during the day.
Schools will also close if conditions endanger students and staff, even beyond freezing temperatures. Wind gusts of more than 12 mph, falling downpours, or sleet can cause serious damage to buildings and students’ health.
During this time of year-from late November to early February-it is possible for school closings due to icy roadways and treacherous weather conditions.
Stay safe in the wintertime, and try to keep up with the latest weather news. Schools may decide to cancel school if they do not feel adequately prepared for the cold weather ahead.
The Following are Tips For Keeping Students And Teachers Safe During Cold Weather;
1. Dress in Heavily
During the winter, some states prepare for the cold weather by allowing additional clothing or excused absences for weather-related clothing. Teachers and students are required to dress warmly to be safe from the elements. This will not only keep students warm but also prevent teachers from being undressed by the cold.
2. Pack Extra Gloves, Hats, and Scarves
While it may not always seem so, winter days can still be warm outside even in cold locations. It is possible that students and teachers could become too warm while outside if they are dressed too lightly.
3. Eating is a Big Part of Staying Warm
While students do not have to fear the cold, eating healthy meals is one way to keep them healthy. Students should be sure to pack a nutritious snack for their lunch, as well as breakfast. This can normally help students stay warm throughout the day.
4. Keep Safe Zones
Once it gets below freezing, it’s time to start thinking about building a “safe zone.” In this case, the safe zone could be a special area where students can warm their bodies up while they are waiting in the hallway before class. Teachers should have areas in their classrooms where students can get warm after recess or lunch periods. Teachers must also make sure that these areas are supervised at all times.
5. Stay Hydrated
Cold temperatures and being outside for extended periods can cause people to become dehydrated. This can be dangerous for students who are in school. They must stay hydrated while they are outside during the winter months. They should drink 8-10 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated and keep their bodies healthy.
6. Avoid Becoming Dehydrated as Much as Possible
Students should avoid dehydration as much as possible, especially if they are walking to class or playing outside after a break. If a student begins to feel sick, they should make sure to find a safe area where they can sit down and recover. Teachers should also be prepared for students to get sick if it does happen.
7. Be Playful
Students need to be able to play outside safely. Most schools have recess periods, indoors and outdoors during the winter months. Students should be sure to get out of the classroom for a little bit before and after school to play around with friends and have fun.
Effects of Cold Weather on Students
1. May Cause Asthma
Students should be prepared for the cold weather, especially if they are allergic to it. They should always be sure to stay hydrated during the winter months. The cold can also cause swelling of their airways, which may result in an asthma attack or other breathing problems.
2. Running Nose
The cold weather can also cause a runny nose. Students should be sure to carry around tissues or a handkerchief at all times, to keep their noses clean and prevent dripping.
3. Influenza
The cold weather may cause influenza if the student is not prepared. This would present itself as fever, cough, and body aches, among other symptoms. Students should be sure to take over-the-counter medications to recover from this illness when it happens.
4. Coughing
Some colds may cause coughs, even if the student does not normally have one. This can cause a lot of discomfort for the student, especially if their throat is dry and irritated. The best thing that they can do in this case is to find a safe area where they can rest for a little bit and drink water or hot drinks.
5. Fever
The cold weather could also cause some students to get fevers from the cold air outside or from being outside longer than they should have been in the first place. When this happens, students should be sure to rest until their body temperatures begin to rise again. This will usually happen after they have been inside for several hours.
Students are responsible for keeping themselves safe during the cold weather. They need to dress inside the classroom and wear their coats until the class begins. Students should also make sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of water if they feel that they need it.
