School Weather
School Severe Weather Drill Guide: Tornado, Lightning, Heat, and Dismissal Decisions
A school severe-weather drill guide covering tornado sheltering, lightning delays, heat, buses, dismissal timing, and parent communication.
Quick answer: School severe weather drills help staff and students move quickly to safer areas and understand weather-related dismissal decisions.
Tornado drills
Routes should avoid windows, gyms, cafeterias, and large-span rooms when better shelter exists.
Practice with realistic timing and accessibility needs.
Outdoor activities
Lightning and heat plans matter for recess, sports, field trips, and marching band.
A clear authority should pause activities.
Communication
Parents need predictable messages about delays, sheltering, and reunification.
Dismissal during warnings can create extra danger.