During periods of severe weather, it is important that schools take steps to minimise the potential impact on school buildings, facilities and grounds. Please see information about preventative measures that schools can take to minimise damage to the school estate in extreme weather conditions and how to protect school premises.
Below is some Severe Weather Guidance that provides information about the role of a school during periods of severe weather.
Weather Warning Methodology
National Severe Weather Warnings are currently issued for 8 weather elements;
Strong Winds - Heavy Rain - Thunderstorm - Lightning - Fog - Snow - Ice -Extreme Heat
Dual Warnings (such as Wind & Rain/ Snow & Ice etc) may also be issued if equal levels of disruption from both elements are anticipated.
Met Office Impact Matrix
Likelihood
The potential likelihood will then be assessed as either;
Very Low Likelihood - Low Likelihood - Medium Likelihood or High Likelihood.
The event will then be plotted on a Weather Impact Matrix & example of a Very Low Likelihood of a medium impact is illustrated to the right.
These warnings are given a colour depending on a combination of both the likelihood of the event happening and the impact the conditions may have.
Impact
The potential impact will then be assessed as either;
Very Low Impact - Low Impact - Medium Impact or High Impact.
Met Office Matrix - Weather Warning Guidance
| Weather warnings can be received directly by email via UK Met Office Low impact Yellow warnings will continue to be web or App based only and will not be forward to schools via EA. You should make yourself aware and take appropriate actions in accordance with risk assessments. | Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations. Many are issued when it is likely that the weather will cause some low-level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places. | There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans. | Dangerous weather is expected and, if you haven’t already done so, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather. |
| High Impact Yellow warnings (column 4 on the matrix), along with ALL Amber and Red warnings will be issued or ‘pushed’ to Schools via the C2K network. | Many people may be able to continue with their daily routine, but there will be some that will be directly impacted and so it is important to assess if you could be affected. | This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property. | It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to: •Travel, •Energy supplies and •possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. |
| Other Yellow warnings are issued when the weather could bring much more severe impacts to the majority of people but the certainty of those impacts occurring is much lower. | You should think about changing your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property. | ||
| When a weather warning is issued: It is advisable that sufficient monitoring is undertaken of the latest warnings, along with forecast and actual data available on the Met Office website or App. | It is very important to look and see where the tick is on the matrix, as Yellow warnings can be Low, Medium or High Impact and will determine which weather situation is being covered by the Yellow warning. | You may want to consider the impact of the weather on your normal operations and whether there is anything you need to do ahead of the severe weather to minimise the impact. Start to prepare for potential closure of services. | You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities. School and youth centre closures are expected. |
Understanding Weather Warnings
| Disruption | Some short-lived disruption to day-to-day routines. | Risk to Life | Injuries with danger to life and damage to buildings and property. | Risk to Life | Danger to life and extensive damage to buildings and property. |
Emergency Services | Business as usual response by emergency services. | Disruption | Disruption to day-to-day routines, activities and some utilities / services. | Disruption | Prolonged disruption to day-to-day routines, activities and utilities / services. |
Emergency Services | Short-term strain on emergency responder organisations. | Emergency Services | Prolonged strain on emergency responder's organisations. | ||
Transport Disruption | Some transport routes and travel services affected. Some journeys require longer travel times. | Transport Disruption | Transport routes and travel services affected. Longer journey times expected. Some vehicles and passengers stranded. | Transport Disruption | Transport routes and travel services affected for a prolonged period. Long travel delays. Vehicles and passengers stranded for long periods. |
Pre-determined actions for Schools during Adverse Weather
Yellow Warning
- Monitor weather reports from Met Office.
- Consider location of school as Regional warnings may not be accurate at a local level.
- React appropriately to advice from Facilities Management /Emergency Planning staff.
- Assess potential impact and associated risks of weather warnings on school operations.
- Advise key holders/external user groups of the potential risks associated with weather warning.
- Consider need for school closure. Log school closure on DE exceptional closure app and checklist and C2K/EA web page
- SMK Consideration: School closed - Catering staff if a delivery is on route and it is safe to remain, take receipt of delivery and then make your way safely home.
- In the event of adverse weather (as per guidance by Met Office) it should be up to the individual to decide whether or not it is safe to go to work.
- Communicate any changes to bus routes to parents.
- Report Maintenance issues to EA’s Help Desk.
If Amber Warning all above and include:
Prioritise with contractors any repair work to be undertaken Notify and keep appropriate personnel up to date, e.g. school staff, Education Authority or relevant management committees.
Commence preparations to reduce impacts of severe weather to school property e.g. secure outside furniture, bins etc.
Prepare if instructed to close or revert to remote learning.
If Red Warning - all Actions as above and:
Close school.
EA Maintenance Emergency Contact Details
Buildings, Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance - Helpdesk Contact Details (Office Hours)
If you require any support in relation to adverse / severe weather during EA office hours please contact the Maintenance Helpdesk on 028 9598 6111.
EA Emergency Maintenance Contact Number (Out of Hours)
In the event of an out of hour’s adverse / severe weather related emergency in your school, please contact the Emergency Maintenance Contact Number (Out of Hours) 028 3751 2345.
A checklist - exceptional closure of school is available on the Department of Education website, outlining the main factors that you should consider when making decisions about a possible school closure.