School closings for cold, any truth to this? (Atlanta, Sparta: sales, 2009)

[lastminutemom]

A few years ago (5 or 6) at least DeKalb canceled school because of the temperatures. I know Gwinnett didn't -- can't remember the other systems. DeKalb officials were concerned about children being at bus stops without proper coats.

Haralson and Caroll Counties have canceled school for today.

[billl]

Originally Posted by neil0311

I was watching the news and they were getting all concerned about the school buses and wondering if they would work and start in the morning. Now I don't want to pull the "how it used to be up north" card out, but to my knowledge school buses are no different in GA. If they run just fine in weather like this every day, all winter long up north, why would the school districts here feel there's a potential issue?

Yes school busses are the same, but diesel fuel is different. There are different blends for different temperatures. If they aren't using a blend that's good for the cold then the fuel will be jello and the busses will have trouble starting.

[kaday]

Originally Posted by Mattie

I just checked the Fulton County Schools site. Temperature and wind chill ARE criteria for closing school. But, it doesn't say how cold or how windy is has to be.

When we lived in NJ delayed openings due to extreme cold was not that uncommon.

Wow. In Western Mass we'd be at the bus stop when it was 20 below. On those days we'd drive to the bus stop. In the three years we lived there school was never closed for extreme temperatures................though many times for snow. After being here for two years, I have certainly acclimated. I hate this temps! But I cannot imagine closing schools for mere single digits!

[marmac]

most central Minnesota schools were closed yesterday and today due to cold (-30 )

However ,even here in Minnesota it is rare to close solely for cold temps.

However, I think Dekalb County would be correct to close schools if they believed students didn't have proper coats.

I would consider Dekalb's decision was based on the kids' safety, just like Minnesota's decision was.

[wxjay]

I have a feeling that there is more weight on buildings operating at correct temperatures and pipes not bursting vs. students having coats on deciding whether or not to cancel school.

[marmac]

it is easier to heat a school when its full of students than when its empty.

[FromCLTtoATL]

This kind of cold this far south does constitute something of an emergency, even without ice. Many places aren't built and insulated to withstand such rare, cold temperatures.

(And just spare us this is warm up North comments. I know. I know. I know. It's such an old saw. Conversely, you don't see Southerners die by the dozens or even hundreds when temperatures hit 100 degrees plus for several days, like you do in places like Chicago and Boston.)

[brownhornet]

I was just about to say why do people insist on comparing us with the north? They are obviously USED to these types of temperatures. Honestly if i had to stand at a bus stop for longer than 5 minutes as cold as it was this morning i would have went back home and went back to sleep. i almost froze just walking from my door to my car. There was a FROZEN CAT outside lol

[kaday]

Originally Posted by FromCLTtoATL

This kind of cold this far south does constitute something of an emergency, even without ice. Many places aren't built and insulated to withstand such rare, cold temperatures.

(And just spare us this is warm up North comments. I know. I know. I know. It's such an old saw. Conversely, you don't see Southerners die by the dozens or even hundreds when temperatures hit 100 degrees plus for several days, like you do in places like Chicago and Boston.)

True our house seems to be struggling. That being said,

Its not just about being from the North that makes me do a double take. I think it is this day and age. When many of us were growing up we just had to grin and bear it, not matter where we lived. Hot in the North, Cold in the South. Things are so different now. Nobody walks to school anymore and all the school systems are up in arms about the amount of overweight kids. It's just a sign of the times. Its too cold at the bus so cancel school....to hot cancel school. It is ridiculous, it is just a few days. Wear an extra layer or a tank top (if it is allowed).

[brownhornet]

Or just not catch pneumonia waiting on the bus and stay home.