Proposed Weather Safety Plan
Pope John Paul II High School
Royersford, Pennsylvania
July 2013
Weather Watcher
Before each home game, a weather watcher will be designated to review the forecast and
monitor the weather forecast. The following will be used to monitor the forecast:
1.
2.
3.
National Weather Service (www.weather.gov)
Weather Bug (www.weatherbug.com)
Local Weather Source (i.e.: WPVI, KYW)
During a weekday when school is in session, the weather watcher shall be the Assistant
Principal for Student Affairs, or his/her designee, until such time as the Athletic Director
has finished his teaching duties. The designee shall not be a coach or teacher.
During the weekend on a weekday when school is not in session, the weather watcher shall
be the Athletics Director, or his/her designee. The designee will not be a coach or teacher.
Before Travel
If the possibility of inclement weather has been forecast before the visiting team begins its
travel, Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC-10) and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic
Association (PIAA) policy will be followed when deciding if the game will start.
After Travel
Football
Change in Forecast
If a severe weather watch, including severe thunderstorm and tornado watches, is issued
or if someone reports a lightning strike after the visiting team commences travel:
1.
The weather watcher will inform the Athletic Director, if necessary.
2.
The Athletic Director will begin to monitor the forecast and the radar, using the
sources listed above, to determine if the weather is moving in the direction of PJP.
a.
If necessary, the Athletic Director will call the National Weather Service
(609-261-6610) to get more detailed information.
If the storm is moving in the direction of PJP, the following steps will be taken:
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1.
The Athletic Director will notify the following people, in this order:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
2.
Teams and Officiating Crew
i.
Before the game begins, the Athletic Director will notify the coaching
staffs and officiating crew directly.
ii.
After the game begins, the Athletic Director will notify the Head
Athletic Trainer who notifies the head of the officiating crew and both
coaching staffs.
Administration from both schools;
Security and maintenance staffs;
Public address announcer;
Cheerleading coaches from both schools;
Visiting team band;
Concession and booster club stands.
Once the public address announcer has been notified of the severe weather watch,
he will read the following announcement at the first available opportunity:
“The area surrounding PJP is currently under a severe weather watch, which means
that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop and may lead to
suspension of play. We are continuing to monitor the forecast and will update you
as necessary. If you see a lighting strike, please inform us here at the table or one of
the security staff.”
Lightning Strikes Within 10 Miles/Severe Weather Warning Issued
If lightning Strikes are within ten (10) miles of PJP or a severe weather warning has been
issued for the surrounding area, the following steps shall be taken:
1.
The weather watcher will inform the Athletic Director, if necessary.
2.
The Athletic Director will notify the following people, in this order:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Teams and Officiating Crew
i.
Before the game begins, the Athletic Director will notify the coaching
staffs and officiating crew directly.
ii.
After the game begins, the Athletic Director will notify the Head
Athletic Trainer who notifies the head of the officiating crew and both
coaching staffs.Head Athletic Trainer for PJP;
iii.
The head of the officiating crew suspends the game.
Administration from both schools;
Security and maintenance staffs;
Public address announcer;
Cheerleading coaches from both schools;
Visiting team band;
Concession and booster club stands.
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3.
Once the public address announcer has been notified of the severe weather watch,
he will read the following announcement at the first available opportunity:
“Inclement weather, including lightning, is within the vicinity of PJP. The game has
been suspended until the weather no longer poses a danger to this area. Please
begin to evacuate the field in a calm and orderly fashion for everyone’s safety. Fans
can evacuate to the main gym. Once the weather clears, we will notify you of the
resumption of the game.”
4.
Evacuation Plan:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
5.
Teams/Coaches = Locker Rooms
Officials = Locker Room
i.
Head of officiating crew = Athletic Director’s Office
Cheerleaders and Band = Auxiliary Gym
i.
Band is responsible for clearing and securing all equipment. There
will be no help available from the PJP staff.
Concessions/Booster Club Stands = Hallway between the gyms.
Fans = Main Gym
If a tornado warning has been issued, all must evacuate to the lower level of the
school. No one enters the cafeteria area.
Resumption of the Game:
1.
The Athletic Director and head of the officiating crew will continue to monitor local
conditions and the forecast. The game will resume after 30 minutes of no detected
lightning in the area of PJP.
2.
Once the decision has been made to resume the game:
a.
b.
c.
The head of the officiating crew will inform the teams and coaches.
The Athletic Director will inform the administrators for both schools, the
security and maintenance staffs, the cheerleaders and visiting band, and the
concessions and booster clubs.
An announcement will be made in the Main Gym.
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