Preparing Oklahoma School Facilities for Winter

By Derald Glover, OASA Assistant Executive Director

Oklahoma winters, while not as severe as those in northern states, present challenges school leaders must address to ensure the safety and comfort of students and staff. Temperatures can drop significantly, and occasional ice storms or snow can disrupt normal operations. Given the state’s unpredictability in weather patterns – ranging from mild winters to sudden freezes – it’s essential to prepare school facilities to handle varied conditions effectively. Here’s how schools in Oklahoma can get ready for the winter months.

Managing Potential Frozen Pipes

In Oklahoma, where temperatures can sometimes drop well below freezing, frozen pipes are a risk, particularly during cold snaps.

■ Pipe Insulation: Exposed or outdoor pipes should be insulated to prevent freezing. This is especially important for schools with older plumbing systems, where insulation may be minimal or may have degraded over time. Schools in rural areas, where freezing can happen more rapidly, should pay particular attention to these issues.

■ Regular Monitoring: During periods of extreme cold, custodial staff should regularly monitor areas with vulnerable pipes, such as basements, exterior walls, or spaces with little heat. It’s helpful to have staff conduct daily checks when freezes are forecasted.

■ Prevention Tips: Oklahoma schools can take simple steps, like leaving faucets running on a slow drip during particularly cold nights or opening cabinet doors under sinks, to let warmer air circulate around pipes.

Roof and Gutter Readiness

Snow and ice storms are rare but not unheard of in Oklahoma. When they do occur, they can cause significant issues for school roofs and gutters.

■ Inspecting Roofs: Schools should inspect roofs for any loose shingles or structural vulnerabilities before winter. Even a light snowfall or ice accumulation can cause damage if roofs are not maintained, particularly flat roofs that tend to collect snow and water.

■ Clear Gutters: With Oklahoma’s fluctuating temperatures, melting and refreezing cycles can cause ice dams. To avoid this, ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so that water flows freely during thaws.

■ Snow Removal Strategy: Although Oklahoma doesn’t typically see heavy snowfall, it’s still important to have a plan for removing snow from roofs, especially in areas where snowdrifts could accumulate.

Ice Storm Precautions for Sidewalks and Parking Lots

Oklahoma ice storms can create treacherous conditions on sidewalks and in parking lots and school entryways. This type of storm is often more dangerous than snow due to difficulty maintaining balance on slippery surfaces.

■ Stockpile De-Icing Products: Schools should stock up on sand, salt, and eco-friendly de-icing materials well before the first freeze. Custodial staff should be prepared to spread these materials on walkways and parking lots at the first sign of ice accumulation to minimize slips and falls.

■ Contracting Snow and Ice Removal: Given that heavy snowfalls and ice storms are sporadic in Oklahoma, schools might not have full-time snow removal staff. Ensure that snow and ice removal contracts are set up early in the season to avoid delays in clearing key areas.

Maintaining Indoor Air Quality

Oklahoma winters bring cold air that can cause schools to be sealed tightly, reducing ventilation. This can affect indoor air quality, especially during flu season.

■ Ventilation Systems: Schools should ensure that their ventilation systems are functioning correctly, especially in restrooms, kitchens, and gyms. A good balance between heating and air circulation can prevent indoor air from becoming stale and reduce the transmission of viruses, which is crucial during colder months when windows and doors are closed.

■ Air Filters: Check and replace air filters regularly, especially in winter, to maintain good air quality and prevent allergens, dust, and other pollutants from circulating in classrooms.