Occasionally adverse weather conditions or other emergency situations may make it necessary to cancel school, delay the start of school, or send students home early.  When these situations occur, notice will be communicated through the Grand Rapids Area Information Line (GRAIL) to all subscribing area media.

Television:  Check out all their weather tools available such as the weather app, text alerts and email alerts.

WOOD TV 8, WXMI FOX 17,  WZZM TV 13

Radio: AM:  WGVU 1480, WJNZ 1140, WNWZ 1410, WOOD 1300, WTKG 1230  FM:  WGRD 97.9, WGVU 88.5, WJQK 99.3, WKLQ 94.5, WLAV 96.9, WLHT 95.7, WODJ 107.3, WOOD 105.7 FM, WSNX 104.5, WTRV 100.5, WVTI 96.1

A 2-hour delay means that students will be picked up by the bus approximately 2 hours later than their routine pick-up time.

Morning ECSE and Preschool classes will be cancelled.  With a 2-hour delay in effect, parents, students and staff should monitor the announcements in the event of the delay changing to a cancellation.  The buses will not transport students to the 1st session at the Kent ISD Skill Center when a school delay or cancellation is issued.

Parents and students should not call school officials to see if there will be school since school phones must be open for emergency calls.  In the event of an emergency, the plan outlined below will be followed.

Severe weather watch or warning during school hours:

In the event a tornado watch or severe weather watch is in effect, school will continue with students participating in their usual activities.  Dismissal will occur at regularly scheduled times.

If a tornado WARNING is issued by the US Weather Bureau, students will remain in school and take shelter under the supervision of teachers.  Students may be detained beyond the regular school

dismissal time, until an all-clear is issued.  During a tornado WARNING all after-school activities will be cancelled.

Please review these procedures with your children, and arrange for an alternative shelter home where students can go in the event of an early dismissal or 2-hour delay, if you will not be home.

Emphasize that students should stay off the streets once they reach home.  Review your family’s plan with your children on a regular basis.

(BPT) Winter is when car trouble can cause big financial problems. So how do you keep your car winter-ready for severe weather and protect your budget? The right preventive care is essential, and the good news is that there are many simple things you can do to get your car ready for extreme weather without blowing your budget.

Before severe weather strikes, make sure to check these items off your car-care list:

* Avoid the “E.” A full tank of gas provides a comforting feeling. It’s also an effective way to protect your car in severe weather. An empty tank leaves room for the moisture inside to turn to ice. Keep your tank at least half full at all times to help prevent starting issues caused by a frozen fuel line.

* Check vital fluids. As simple as filling up, make sure to check and top off your vehicle’s antifreeze and examine your brake system, which includes your brake fluid.

* Double-check the tires. Driving on underinflated or worn tires makes it even more difficult to drive in ice or snow. Use a tire gauge to test the tire’s actual pressure and apply air as needed. Your tires should have the appropriate amount of pressure printed on its side. To check the wear of your tires, insert a penny into the tread. If you can see any part of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tires.

* Be ready to battle ice. Ice on the roads is one problem, but ice on your windshield is another problem entirely. Prestone’s De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid is designed to help melt ice and frost fast for streak-free and clear visibility down to -27 degrees.

* Prep for emergencies. Sometimes even the best planning can’t prevent a severe-weather accident. That’s why it’s good to pack a winter survival kit with an ice scraper, shovel, blankets, extra clothing, bottled water, jumper cables and a first aid kit for the backseat or trunk of your car. And don’t forget the cat litter—in case your tires need a little extra traction.

Not all winter car care maintenance needs to be handled in a mechanic’s garage. Easy DIY projects can help ensure your vehicle’s performance this winter and save you time and money in the long run. Get started on your preventive list today and you’ll be ready for whatever the season brings.