Extreme Weather
At St Joseph's School, the board ensures that the school is a physically and emotionally safe place where risks to health and safety (both physical and mental) are eliminated or minimised (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015; Education and Training Act 2020). To keep our school community safe, we have procedures to help us manage extreme weather conditions. This information is part of our emergency management plan and kept with our printed emergency plans and procedures.
Planning for extreme weather
As part of our emergency management planning, we:
- assess whether our school area is vulnerable to particular weather events (e.g. flooding, snow)
- monitor weather warnings issued by MetService
- have procedures in place to:
- shelter in place at the school or evacuate the school if required
- communicate with our school community about weather conditions and their impact on the school (e.g. transport considerations, emergency closure)
- reunite students with their parents/caregivers if the school is closed
- manage extreme weather during an EOTC event.
Response to extreme weather
We notify our school community if emergency closure is needed before the school day begins. If extreme weather threatens during the school day, we monitor information sources for instructions from local authorities, follow our extreme weather guidelines below, and activate our shelter in place, evacuation and/or emergency closure procedures as appropriate.
Storms
If there is time before the storm arrives we:
- bring students inside
- secure any unanchored outdoor structures or playground items that could cause damage or injury
- turn off and unplug small electrical items as appropriate to protect them from power surges/damage and to prevent electric shocks.
Once the storm arrives we:
- stay inside and away from windows or items that may potentially fall
- stay away from objects that conduct electricity (e.g. wires, cables, appliances)
- unplug large appliances if there is a power outage, to prevent possible damage when power is restored
- use unplugged devices indoors if we need to (e.g. laptops, tablets, cellphones, cordless phones).
We don't continue outdoor activities until at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.
We are mindful that tornadoes can sometimes occur during thunderstorms in some parts of New Zealand. If a tornado funnel is seen we take shelter immediately and activate our shelter in place procedure.
High winds
If MetService issues a high wind warning (e.g. strong wind gusts, gales) we:
- move/stay inside and away from windows
- shut and cover all windows (e.g. pull the curtains/close blinds) in order to protect people from any broken glass or debris
- secure any unanchored outdoor structures or playground items that could cause damage or injury.
Heavy snow and rainfall
In the event of heavy snow or rain, our school monitors the situation and considers closing the school.
Flooding
If flooding is a potential risk during the school day, we consider following our evacuation procedures.
During a flood, we:
- follow instructions provided by local civil defence and emergency management authorities
- turn off water, electricity, and gas if advised to
- move records and electrical equipment onto furniture or higher floors to prevent damage if possible and safe to do so
- evacuate to higher ground if required
- stay out of flood water if possible as it may be contaminated.
Extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures can become a health and safety issue.
When the temperature is very hot (e.g. heatwave), we:
- stay out of the sun and remain indoors as much as possible
- limit physical activity and encourage everyone to drink plenty of water
- use air conditioned areas if possible (or open windows for ventilation)
- keep buildings cool by closing curtains or blinds.
Also see Sun Protection.
When the temperature is very cold, we:
- use appropriate heating throughout the day
- encourage everyone to wear suitable clothing to stay warm.
We monitor the temperature and its impact on students and staff and take appropriate actions as required.
Related policies
Resources
: Term 4 2025, Term 2 2022
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