Emergency Communication

Key points to remember:

• Have accurate emergency information on file at the schools (names, phone numbers, emergency contact persons).
• Make sure family members have contingency plans in the case of an emergency situation.
• Become familiar with alternative bus pick-up and drop-off points when there is a limited transportation schedule.
• Know what to do if a school bus does not arrive due to road conditions (snow/ice), mechanical problems or accidents.
• Have pre-planned childcare for unforeseen school closures or early releases.

If you think weather conditions may cause school delays or closures, watch your television and/or listen to your radio beginning at 6:00 a.m. School schedule changes will be announced by district name. The announcements are for one day only. Alternatively, you may check the school closure website : http://www.psecs.wednet.edu (All messages are erased between 10:00-10:30 AM and 3:00-3:30 PM)

DO NOT SEND STUDENTS TO BUS STOPS OR SCHOOL UNTIL YOU HAVE VERIFIED SCHOOL IS IN SESSION. SCHOOL CLOSURES AND LATE START INFORMATION ARE AVAILABLE AFTER 6:00 A.M. ON THE TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. Our elementary and middle schools have developed telephone trees which they will use, when possible, in case of school closures. Call the transportation office and/or school buildings ONLY if there is an emergency.

Common phrases used by radio and television:

SCHOOLS CLOSED: All schools will be closed for one day only. All meetings, field trips, after school activities, etc., will be canceled for the day unless otherwise announced.

LIMITED BUS TRANSPORTATION: When transportation limitations are in effect, some bus routes will have alternate pick-up/drop-off points. Alternative snow routes are listed on the back of this page.

ONE OR TWO HOUR DELAY: Bus schedules and schools will begin one or two hours late. Students will be dismissed at the regular time unless there is a specific announcement regarding early dismissal. Also, listen for information regarding morning and afternoon kindergarten/preschool sessions and other special programs.

SCHOOLS OPEN, NO TRANSPORTATION: Be prepared to provide transportation if this announcement is made.

In the event of an early dismissal due to extreme weather conditions, the stations below will make announcements.

• KIRO 710
• KOMO 1000
• STAR 11.5
• 570 KVI

• KPLU 88.5
• KMPS 94.1*
• KSER 90.7
• KMTT 103.7

• KING 5*
• KOMO 4*
• KIRO 7*
• PTTV Channel 47 (for emergencies during the school day)

*Information updated every 15 minutes

TRANSPORTATION HOTLINE: You can call 379-4500 ext. 4600 for transportation information during inclement weather.

If you have further questions about transportation/bus routes, please contact Diana Post at the Port Townsend and Chimacum School Districts’ Transportation Cooperative at 732-4040.

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