How to keep school kids safe in extreme weather

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It is every parent’s nightmare for their kids to be left out stranded in the cold. This is especially scary in winter when extended exposure to the elements can be fatal. Since Manitoba is no stranger to extreme weather, know what to do to ensure their safety. Here are a few tips:

1. Always check announcements

   Make it a habit to check weather conditions everyday especially once winter starts. Check seven-day weather forecasts to help you prepare and take proper precaution (check Environment Canada, Manitoba). When an extreme weather disturbance is expected, check updates as early as you can to get information about:

   • Road conditions
   • Bus service (information on cancellations become available as early as 6:15 am)
   • School closures

   Check the school website (see community resources below) for bus or school cancellations. Also check media outlets for information. Here are some reliable media channels and websites:

   Radio stations:
   89.3 CBC FM; 990 CBC AM; CKSB 89.9 FM (French); CJOB-680 AM; Power 97-FM; 1290 CFRW; 99.9 BOB-FM; FAB 94.3 FM; 92 CITI FM; 102.3 KISS FM; Virgin Radio 103; QX 104 FM

   Websites:
   Storm Centre Manitoba (for School closures, highway info and weather alerts)
   Global News Winnipeg Traffic
   CTV News
   Winnipeg Free Press
   511 Manitoba Road and Traveller Information

   It will be safer to go with your kids to the bus stop to make sure that they will not be stranded. When bus service is not cancelled, they usually arrive or depart late due to severe weather or poor road conditions. When possible, drive them to school to ensure safety and to keep them from being out in the cold for too long. Check the Windchill Hazards table to have an idea of how long a person can stay outside safely in extremely cold weather.

2. Be aware of school policies

   Manitoba schools, especially in Winnipeg, do not usually cancel classes even in inclement weather. However, according to the Winnipeg School Division, bus transportation is cancelled when the wind chill reaches -45 °C (based on Environment Canada readings at The Forks). Bus service will not resume in the afternoon even when weather conditions improve. To make sure that your child is safe:

   • Know school policies– Schools outside of Winnipeg will have different regulations regarding cancellations. Know these rules by checking the school website or inquiring from the school.
   • Keep phone lines open – Some schools call parents when classes are cancelled for the day, but not all will. However, they will call you when your child is not in school and no prior notice is given. Always keep your phone lines open when there is a possibility of bus or school cancellation.
   • Have emergency numbers on hand– Save the number of the school on your mobile phone. Know how best to reach the school principal and the transport/bus company.

3. Make an emergency plan

   Make an emergency plan for all types of contingencies. Your children should know what to do if there is no bus, there’s a late pick-up, when school is cancelled or there is an early dismissal, and other situations.

   • Discuss the plan with your kids. Check if they have questions to make sure that it is clear to them.
   • You may need to:
   • provide them a copy of the house keys (or code)
   • arrange for an alternative place to go to, or person to ask help from (like a neighbour) in case of emergencies
   • arrange for child care to make sure that they have a place to go when you (or your spouse) can’t leave work.
   • Provide older kids with a mobile phone. Teach them how to use it only for emergencies.

4. Make sure that your kids are clothed well

   Ensure that their clothes are thick enough (and that they have enough layers) to keep them warm and protect them from frostbite. In addition to their winter jacket, ski pants, gloves, hat and snow boots, they may need extra protection like a scarf or mask (or balaclava) when there is blowing snow. Pack extra gloves just in case. Watch out for choking hazards like scarves and hood strings for younger kids. Choose clothes or shoes that are fastened with Velcro instead. Even if they will not go out during recess time, they may need extra protection when waiting for the bus or walking to their school building.

5. Use your discretion

   When classes are not cancelled but you cannot ensure that your child will have a safe way to get to school or come home after, it may be best to keep your child at home. Their safety far outweighs missing a day of school. Just make sure that you or another adult will be at home to supervise younger kids.