Several members have asked for a protocol on water emergencies in our District and city for the rare occasion they are needed, like the sudden South Hills water main break that crippled water supplies on Friday September 20th.
Our great friend and General Foreman for the District, Ed Reinhart walked us through the steps the District takes when deciding to close a school(s) or remain open. Ed reported that:
- If a school/schools has NO water before the start of the school day, they make the decision based on the size of the school and the number of schools that are affected.
If it is a small or smaller school and/or a manageable number that drinking water can be drayed into and water can be taken or drawn from to flush the toilets—then school is on. - If water is lost DURING the school day, the District also has to consider the time of day (how much of the school day is left), available water for drinking and flushing, size of the school/schools. Whenever possible the choice is to keep the students in school—particularly our younger students who may have no one to go home to.
- In that emergency situation on Friday, September 20th—a close was really the only way to go. Seven schools lost water before the opening of school—and then it quickly became ten. This obviously would have been far too many to provide drinking water for.
- At least one school lost water after the school day started, so the District moved to the protocol of providing bottled water to the elementary students and emptying a boiler to flush toilets. Some parents did choose to pick up their students, but remember, the first choice will be to keep students in school—particularly younger students who may have no one at home to receive them.
- Ed was confused when I reported that one member said that some high school teachers received confusing reports on whether or not their school was open or closed. He said that the media was alerted as soon as the close was determined and there was no waffling on it.
Now as for make-up time in those schools—of course the day will have to be made up, but some have also0 asked … “what about if you were at school already?”
Just like a late call on a snow day (even though this was not a late call), I hope that you signed in at the office.
Talk to your principal about what you can do about being compensated for that time. Contact us if you have any additional questions.
