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I think it depends on the area. Here in Atlanta it hasn't even been below 0 in at least 30 years. It got down to single digits this winter and it wasn't really a problem, it's just if there's ice on the roads. I could see schools closing here for below 0 temps, only because if it did happen it would probably just one day missed and life would move on. That's the good thing about here, we've gotten 3-4 inches of snow and the next week it can be 80.
I grew up on the VT/Quebec border (early-mid 1980s), and I vividly recall that we did not have snow days, and below zero temps were the norm. We went to the bus stop, and the bus eventually showed up sometime before noon... and if it didn't show up, we went home.
I don't think its the same. That was my point. 48 hours at -20 is MUCH tougher. If scouts can make it for 48 hours at -20, 20 minutes or so at about 0 shouldn't be much of a challenge. Why does the school need to close?
Again, the Boy Scouts are prepared to spend nights outside at that temperature with specialized gear. I know, I know. All you did was throw on extra layers. I know several boy scouts and I know the gear they use in that type of camping.
Bottom line, most people, including me, do not buy subzero arctic gear for our children's daily wear because we don't live in areas that normally require such apparel.
Actually, I do. I volunteer at the local homeless shelter. Are you saying poor people dont have a car? Most here do... Or that poor people cant get the time off to wait with their kid at the bus stop? Arent they more inconvenienced by having to take the entire day when the school closes?
Why should schools be closed for the minority that have an issue? They could just as easily be excused.
Many poor people here in Northeast PA do not have access to a car. They can't take time off from work and they probably leave their kids alone at home to get ready and get off to school.
The point remains we are talking about ABNORMAL weather.
Last edited by Magritte25; 02-20-2015 at 09:09 PM..
Again, the Boy Scouts are prepared to spend nights outside at that temperature with specialized gear. I know, I know. All you did was throw on extra layers. I know several boy scouts and I know the gear they use in that type of camping.
Bottom line, most people, including me, do not buy subzero arctic gear for our children's daily wear because we don't live in areas that normally require such apparel.
And my point is-you don't need specialized gear for that temperature for such a short amount of time.
No, I was showing the ability of people to stay out in the cold for prolonged periods without any special equipment.
How long is the walk to school for the unbussed kids? My kids arent bussed. They walk about 25 minutes, one way. They tell me they are walking further than any of their friends. If im concerned about the weather I either make sure they dress well, or give them a ride. Life goes on regardless of somewhat cold temperatures.
Schools dont have a heated area indoors? Most schools around here have heated cafeterias, many also have gyms on top of that. Not to mention halls. Are schools elsewhere lacking cafeterias and halls?
I think its highly debatable on what is special equipment and what is not, especially when you are talking about camping out in subzero temperatures but you are expecting children to dress as though they are camping when they are going to school.
This section is intended primarily to introduce equipment concerns that need to be addressed when camping
in extreme cold weather. The first, single most important piece of special equipment is fortunately the
cheapest. Zip Lock Bags! All underwear, socks, and long underwear should be packed in zip-lock bags. All
other clothing should be stored in something waterproof. This can range from a garbage bag to stuff sacks. All the wool and polypropylene in the world won’t do any good if is wet from the beginning. Dryness is the
key to success. Foam pads are the second most important piece of special equipment. The ground is cold!
When you are sleeping, it is important to have that added insulation under you to avoid losing body heat to
warming the Earth. Remember the rule of thumb, it is a good idea to have two to three times as much
insulation under you as you do above you. The next most important piece of equipment will more than
likely not cost anything because you probably have it lying around the house. All Scouts should carry a
wool blanket with them on the weekend. The Troop does have a limited number for emergency use. If you
cannot locate a wool blanket (Army blanket), ask around. Someone is bound to have a wool blanket
somewhere in a closet. Finally, the next important piece of equipment is not one that we want everyone to
run out and purchase for the weekend, however, in the long run, it may want to be considered if your son
enjoys Scouting. Mummy sleeping bags provide a great degree of warmth due to the contour and snug fit of
the bag to the body. Unfortunately, the degree of warmth represents a direct function of price. These bags
can range anywhere in price from $50 for a 35 degree bag to $300+ for a zero degree or sub-zero degree
bag. For recreational use, a good quality zero degree to fifteen degree mummy bag can be purchased for
approximately $60 to $80. If you have questions on a specific bag, please let one of the adult leaders know.
Many poor people here in Wilkes-Barre, PA do not have access to a car. They can't take time off from work and they probably leave their kids alone at home to get ready and get off to school.
The point remains we are talking about ABNORMAL weather.
Kids home alone during cold weather, or kids safely at school during cold weather. I wonder which is safer?
You can continue to try and justify how much tougher you obviously were as a child and how stupid closing schools is, yadda yadda, but the weather here this week has been no joke. In fact I really fail to understand the point you are attempting to make at all.
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