Snow teams will make sure schools are safe... or shut

HEAD TORCHES and de-icing chemicals have been issued to schools to help them stay open when it snows.

The new equipment is part of revised Education Department procedures to avoid closing schools when snow strikes. If they do have to shut, a decision will be taken by 7.15am and announced via the media.

A department spokesman said each Education premises would now have a team who went to the site in the morning and determined whether it was safe to open. 'These staff are asked to aim to arrive around 6am,' he said.

Head torches and high-visibility jackets have been issued to help the staff see their way around the school and be easy to spot. Ice grips, which are worn over shoes, have also been issued to help staff walk in icy conditions. All schools have been given the de-icer CMA40 to use on the grounds. A representative from each will then contact the Education Department to say if it is safe to open.