Housekeeping Inclement Weather Guidelines

In order to ensure the well-being of your building during severe weather, please be reminded of the following:

  • Contact the Security Office at (502) 485-3121 whenever entering a JCPS facility after hours.
  • If at any time the weather forecast predicts that the outdoor air temperature will be below 15 degrees F, the plant operator will be certain of the following before he or she leaves the building:
    • All classroom and restroom doors are open, with the exception of security alarm doors, audiovisual room doors, computer room doors, and storage room doors in science classrooms.
    • All closet and cabinet doors where plumbing is located are open.
    • Any broken windows are covered with plastic.
    • All window shades are pulled to the window sill, and all drapes are closed.
    • Any school operating with sewer plants should keep a steady flow of water in at least three locations in the building, with approximately one-half flow from one faucet at each location.
    • A trickle of water should be left running in each restroom and in the kitchen area.
  • For Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, or when school is closed and the outdoor air temperature is below 15 degrees F, the plant operator should perform the following:
    • Check the building to ensure that the boiler room equipment (boiler and system pumps) is operational.
    • Ensure that there are no cold areas in the building that may be in danger of freezing water lines, sprinkler systems, or HVAC equipment.
    • The building should be checked between 8 a.m. and 12 noon each day that the temperature is between 0 and 15 degrees F.
    • When the outdoor temperature has been below zero, the plant operator should check the building three times (8 a.m., 4 p.m., and 12 midnight).
  • In the event that there is a problem in a school that has an area-maintenance person, the plant operator should call the area-maintenance person immediately for assistance in correcting problems.
  • Any time there is a boiler failure or a plumbing problem, notify the Security Office ([502] 485-3121) and Security will notify the proper maintenance personnel.
  • A storm team has been established to check the condition of parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks. Someone may be calling you to advise you of the condition of your sidewalks and building entrances. It is recommended that the plant operator/lead custodian or designee be present if possible when the parking lots are plowed. This will prevent damage to areas of the parking lot and avoid piling snow in front of handicap ramps and delivery routes.
  • If there is no plant operator, someone must be designated to perform these functions. The name and phone number should be listed with Security, General Maintenance, Housekeeping Services, and the director of Mechanical and Electronic Maintenance.
  • At all times when entering a building after hours, school personnel, as well as maintenance personnel, will follow normal entry procedures as required by the JCPS Security Office. (Call Security at [502] 485-3121 when entering or leaving the building.) This procedure is most critical during severe weather and is required during all building checks.

Reminder

All snow removal completed on sidewalks, porches, breezeways, entryways, etc., is the responsibility of the plant operator. Plant operators must maintain an appropriate amount of de-icer (calcium chloride) for frozen sidewalks, porches, breezeways, and entryways. All necessary supplies are ordered from the JCPS Warehouse.