Watch or Warning
Extreme Cold
Dangerously cold air or wind chill is possible or expected. Transportation, arrival, outdoor activity, and building conditions are reviewed.
Family actionDress in layers and watch for a district update.
Weather status: No active district weather changesCheck official district messages for the latest update
Hazel Crest School District 152 1/2Together Everyone Achieves MoreSchool safety & emergency preparedness
Severe Weather
Response Plan
Student and staff safety guides every decision. Learn how we prepare, when schedules may change, and where families receive trusted updates.
Our commitment
Schools remain open whenever conditions allow us to operate safely.
Severe cold, heat, snow, ice, thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, or a loss of essential building services may require the district to change the school day. Because weather can vary across our community, families should always consider conditions along their own route to school.
Know the language
Watch means prepare.
Warning means act.
These plain-language summaries help families understand the district response. Official instructions in a district message always take priority.
Heat Advisory or Warning
Extreme Heat
Dangerous heat or humidity is possible or expected. The district may adjust outdoor activities, athletics, recess, or dismissal routines.
Family actionSend students with water and light clothing.
Be ready
Tornado Watch
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Schools monitor official alerts and prepare students and staff to move to designated shelter areas.
Family actionStay alert and keep your contact information current.
Take action now
Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Students and staff immediately move to designated shelter areas and remain there until cleared.
Family actionDo not come to the school until the all-clear is given.
Behind every decision
A careful, coordinated process
Conditions are assessed throughout the night and early morning. When weather develops during the school day, monitoring continues until students and staff are safely home.
- 1
Monitor
We track National Weather Service alerts, forecasts, road conditions, wind chill, heat index, and building conditions.
- 2
Coordinate
District leaders consult transportation, facilities, local emergency officials, and neighboring school systems when appropriate.
- 3
Decide
The Superintendent or designee determines whether schools will open, close, delay, dismiss early, or modify activities.
- 4
Notify
Families and staff receive an official district message as soon as a decision is made.
One message. Several channels.
How we notify families
When the school schedule changes, the district sends the same official information through multiple communication channels.
☎Phone callAutomated district message
✉Text & emailFinalsite Messenger notification
⌂District websiteHomepage weather announcement
◎Social mediaOfficial district accounts
Keep your contact information current. Notify your child’s school office whenever your phone number or email address changes.
Prepare before the forecast changes
Create your family weather plan
Unexpected closures and early dismissals are easier to manage when everyone knows the plan.
Frequently asked questions
What families should know
What if schools stay open but conditions near my home feel unsafe?
Parents and guardians should use their best judgment about local travel conditions. Contact the school to report the absence and ask about missed work.
What happens during a tornado warning?
Students and staff move immediately to designated shelter areas, take protective positions, and remain sheltered until officials provide an all-clear.
Can weather change recess, PE, or athletics?
Yes. School leaders may move activities indoors, shorten outdoor exposure, change schedules, or cancel activities based on temperature, heat index, wind chill, lightning, precipitation, and field conditions.
Should I come to school during an active weather emergency?
No. Roads and entrances must remain available for emergency response. Follow official district directions and wait for an all-clear or reunification instructions.