The Safety Committee met earlier today and they requested
that a memo go out to remind everyone of how we operate in the event of
inclement weather. Please read this email closely so that you will A)
know what to expect and B) be able to communicate appropriately with
families.
In the event that the Civitan Center must close early, Mariessa or Leah will
alert the Team Leaders first. Team Leaders will then inform each member of
their departments. PLEASE do not send us emails or call us with “did you
know” information. Replying to 15 phone calls or text messages will only
distract us from taking care of the business at hand. We will be watching the
situation closely and Dixie will also be in contact with local school district
transportation departments as well as the Saline County Road Department
regarding traveling conditions. If we do close early, your Supervisor may need
your assistance in contacting family members. When placing these calls, make
sure that you document the following:
1)
Who was contacted (including any disconnected numbers, recordings,
voice mails, etc.)
2)
What arrangements are being made for the clients (if they are
being picked up note WHO will be picking up, what TIME we can expect them, etc.
OR if they need to ride the bus)
3)
Confirm a good contact number in case of emergency.
We will need to make contact with every family before buses
leave to make sure that someone will be there to receive the clients when they
are dropped off at home. If there is a parent you cannot reach, ask your
Supervisor for further instructions. For clients who are going to be picked up,
follow the same sign out procedure that we use on a daily basis.
Dixie will contact SCAT to ask them to begin sending their
buses. Keep in mind that most of the buses run different routes throughout
the day, so they may not arrive all at once. Buses may be loaded as they
arrive. However, remember that our policy states that no bus will leave
until we are CERTAIN that contact has been made with each
family. I can’t stress enough the importance of making sure that someone will
be home to receive the clients on their arrival.
Additionally, Leigha will be informed of when to notify
local TV and / or radio stations.
Now then, in case this all happens overnight please watch
local tv stations. We will close if Benton Public Schools close. We will make
every attempt to get our name listed will school closures but we will follow the
action of Benton Schools. However, please remember that each bus driver has the
sole responsibility for making the decision regarding the safety of their
individual routes. We all know there can be a world of difference in weather
and road conditions from Tull or Traskwood to Pulaski County. If we have to
close Team Leaders will be notified and information will be posted on our Facebook page.
Hope you find this information helpful. Above all else, please remember that when we stay calm, our
clients and families will stay calm.
