NYC public schools to be closed on March 4th, 2019 !!
NYC public schools to be closed on March 4th, 2019 !!
The Issue
Hello! As I am writing this, it is March 3rd, 2019 I’m here to talk about the closing of NYC public schools tomorrow, March 4th, 2019. To quote the NYC Emergency Management “Tuesday through midnight. A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain may cause travel difficulties during Tuesday’s morning and evening commutes.“ We don’t want our students, teachers and other working New Yorkers to have to suffer through the enduring weather tomorrow. It’s not safe for them.
As a student myself, its a long commute to my school. This could make it more endearing and would cause me and fellow students to be late to school. Why would we risk the health of our future? I’m not doing this because I just don’t want school tomorrow, i’m making this petition to raise awareness of how our government isn’t realizing the dangers this weather has on our citizens.
To quote SafeWinterRoads.org; “Every year, nearly 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet. Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.” This just shows how dangerous this can be. Furthermore, NYC Emergency Management states; “A total of 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulation is forecast, with higher amounts possible in the northern parts of the city. A total of an inch to an inch and a half of rain and a glaze of ice are also possible. High winds are also possible on Tuesday and Wednesday, with gusts up to 40 mph.“ This is an outrageous number, wind is going up to around 2 times our speed limit for vehicles.
We also have to think about the people that must stay in this weather to keep our chlisten safe. Our crossing guards. These snow days much be horrible for them. Our bus drivers. Again, to quote NYC E.M: “If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.” How can they expect this to happen, but still give bus drivers the job of keeping dozens of kids safe on this dangerous roads?
But now, let’s talk about how children in low income families can’t even afford winter jackets and boots. To quote NYC EM: “Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs. Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.” They’re assuming everyone has these things, such as snow boots and warm jackets. Oh, and metrocards too. If we don’t have a snow day, we’re risking kids in low income families (and other families) possibly getting really sick and hurt.
In conclusion, the NYC government, before they make a final decision, has to think about everyone affected by a non-snow day. The children who could possibly fall, or get hit by a swerving car. Kids don’t have the same immune system as adults. They get sick easily and could miss out on more school days. We have to think about the crossing guards and the bus drivers who risk their life and health to get children to school. We have to think about the poor, homeless and elderly.
It is critical; for every single New Yorker: young or old, low income or not, to have a snow day. It affects all of us. Thank you for reading this and I hope you sign the petition. Let’s help everyone stay safe.
*** I’d like to add a quote from the @nycgov twitter account that was just posted: “A #CodeBlue is now in effect. Shelter is available system-wide for anyone brought to a shelter by outreach teams and for walk-ins. If you see anyone at risk, especially those living on the street, please call 311.“ This just shows that if you want people to be sheltered during these cold temperatures and conditions why let children, some with over an hour commute, go all the way to school?
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The Issue
Hello! As I am writing this, it is March 3rd, 2019 I’m here to talk about the closing of NYC public schools tomorrow, March 4th, 2019. To quote the NYC Emergency Management “Tuesday through midnight. A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain may cause travel difficulties during Tuesday’s morning and evening commutes.“ We don’t want our students, teachers and other working New Yorkers to have to suffer through the enduring weather tomorrow. It’s not safe for them.
As a student myself, its a long commute to my school. This could make it more endearing and would cause me and fellow students to be late to school. Why would we risk the health of our future? I’m not doing this because I just don’t want school tomorrow, i’m making this petition to raise awareness of how our government isn’t realizing the dangers this weather has on our citizens.
To quote SafeWinterRoads.org; “Every year, nearly 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet. Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.” This just shows how dangerous this can be. Furthermore, NYC Emergency Management states; “A total of 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulation is forecast, with higher amounts possible in the northern parts of the city. A total of an inch to an inch and a half of rain and a glaze of ice are also possible. High winds are also possible on Tuesday and Wednesday, with gusts up to 40 mph.“ This is an outrageous number, wind is going up to around 2 times our speed limit for vehicles.
We also have to think about the people that must stay in this weather to keep our chlisten safe. Our crossing guards. These snow days much be horrible for them. Our bus drivers. Again, to quote NYC E.M: “If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.” How can they expect this to happen, but still give bus drivers the job of keeping dozens of kids safe on this dangerous roads?
But now, let’s talk about how children in low income families can’t even afford winter jackets and boots. To quote NYC EM: “Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs. Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.” They’re assuming everyone has these things, such as snow boots and warm jackets. Oh, and metrocards too. If we don’t have a snow day, we’re risking kids in low income families (and other families) possibly getting really sick and hurt.
In conclusion, the NYC government, before they make a final decision, has to think about everyone affected by a non-snow day. The children who could possibly fall, or get hit by a swerving car. Kids don’t have the same immune system as adults. They get sick easily and could miss out on more school days. We have to think about the crossing guards and the bus drivers who risk their life and health to get children to school. We have to think about the poor, homeless and elderly.
It is critical; for every single New Yorker: young or old, low income or not, to have a snow day. It affects all of us. Thank you for reading this and I hope you sign the petition. Let’s help everyone stay safe.
*** I’d like to add a quote from the @nycgov twitter account that was just posted: “A #CodeBlue is now in effect. Shelter is available system-wide for anyone brought to a shelter by outreach teams and for walk-ins. If you see anyone at risk, especially those living on the street, please call 311.“ This just shows that if you want people to be sheltered during these cold temperatures and conditions why let children, some with over an hour commute, go all the way to school?
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Petition created on February 11, 2019