INCLEMENT WEATHER

We are very aware of the manifold implications of opening or closing our programs during less than perfect conditions. Some of these decisions can easily be made during obvious and existing conditions, yet others need to be made based solely on “poor weather” predictions.

Trumbull County encompasses approximately 625 square miles and has more than 400 bridges. The weather and road conditions can vary significantly over this geography, as can road conditions. Many times while major roads are clear, the neighborhood roads are not in favorable driving condition. We have more than 30 buses covering this entire geography, weather, and road conditions.

Our bus routes begin as early as 6:30 a.m. and finish as late as 5:40 p.m. A lot can change between those hours, also.

We make our decisions based upon our own individual criteria, which do not necessarily mirror local school districts. For example, we do not have “walkers;” we have very, very few adult enrollees who drive (especially compared to local high schools); and we do not have youngsters standing on corners or bus stops congregating and waiting for a bus.

We also have to consider the impact on residential (group home) settings staffing, and finally, we have a funding issue since we are funded or charged depending upon being open or closed in adult services. Schools do not have these criteria to consider.

If we are lucky, conditions are obvious and apparent and we can make a decision early enough to allow parents and caregivers the opportunity to make last-minute arrangements for care. In the event that conditions mandate a last-minute decision, please have a plan pre-arranged to allow you to deal with that eventuality.

Often, we have to base our decision on weather forecasts. This sometimes results in our programs being open when conditions become worse than forecasted and other times when we are closed and conditions are better than predicted. Also, sometimes one part of the county experiences perfect conditions while other parts of the county experience very dangerous conditions.

On days when we are open, and you disagree with our decision, do not put your student or adult consumer on the bus!

Finally, we do not just look out our window or follow school district decisions to arrive at our decision. We consult the National Weather Service, highway departments, police departments and school district representatives in order to get a “county-wide-conditions” picture. For this reason, please do not call our telephones for closing information. This ties up our lines while we are attempting to gather decision-making information. Instead, rely upon the following resources:

In the event of threatening weather, I urge you to monitor local radio and television stations listed below, to determine if our programs are closed.

Radio Stations
WYFM (FM 103) WAKZ (FM 95.9) WQXK (FM 105.1)
WNIO (AM 1390) WKBN (AM 570) WBBG (FM 106.1)
WNCD (FM 93.3) WMXY (FM 98.9) WHOT (FM 101.1)

TV Stations
WFMJ (Channel 21) WKBN (Channel 27) WEWS (Channel 5)
WYTV (Channel 33) FOX 8 (Channel 17/62)

Internet
WKBN WFMJ WYTV

A reminder to employees: sick leave cannot be used for tardiness on days we are open and the weather is less than perfect. We do not endorse telephone trees for notification, also.

We hope this explanation and information helps everyone understand the process and the steps we take to help the Superintendent make the best possible decisions. When all is said and done, however, each family, provider, and employee should be prepared to make the best decision for themselves.

The board, leadership, and employees of the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities are steadfast in maintaining and creating programs and services that meet the unique needs of individuals and their families.