MCSD considers ‘possibility of school closures’ as it tracks Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma’s projected path has prompted the Muscogee County School District to consider closing.

MCSD superintendent David Lewis told the Ledger-Enquirer he was preparing to notify parents Friday afternoon via phone and email with an automated message that says, in part, “Based on updated advisories, it is still too early to determine the timing or impact to our area, but there is a possibility of school closures Monday and/or Tuesday of next week.”

Lewis said MCSD leaders are “working closely with emergency management officials to monitor the potential path and impact of Hurricane Irma.”

MCSD’s central administration also has provided schools and departments with the following precautionary measures:

▪ Brace/secure loose outdoor equipment.

▪ Remove loose yard debris.

▪ Relocate nonessential yard/athletic equipment inside, if possible.

▪ Make sure the staff phone tree is up to date.

▪ Develop a plan to deploy the safety team next week in the morning and afternoons to areas of high traffic. Have the team monitor for wet floors. Make sure signs and mats are available.

▪ Be prepared/monitor for further updates.

▪ Departments that utilize white fleet vehicles should consider topping off Friday the close of the business day.

The Ledger-Enquirer will report how other Columbus area schools and districts are preparing for Hurricane Irma when that information is received.

This story was originally published September 8, 2017 at 1:11 PM with the headline "MCSD considers ‘possibility of school closures’ as it tracks Hurricane Irma."