It
is our dedication to get information announced in a timely manner in
the event of an emergency. Take a moment to read our policy as many services
continually change to better serve the public at-large in our immediate
area. Please also take a moment to
consult Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information not answered
here:
If intending to use this service, please understand our definition
of a bonafide emergency.
An emergency is any circumstance affecting the public at-large; either
deemed imminent,
causing or has resulted in:
• Dangerous traveling conditions for
the public at-large
•
Inaccessibility or unsafe to the building and/or associated parking
used by the public at-large
• Would impede emergency fire/rescue response and general safety of the
public at-large
• Loss of heat, water, power
•
Basic needs to maintain acceptable sanitation is imperiled
•Other evacuations deemed perilous or necessary, such as: Fire/smoke/fumes,
flood, a gas leak, bomb/terror threat.
This free service is open to any organization
whose presence and operation affects the public at-large. This service
is not designed for private businesses or small organizations.
If registering for the FIRST TIME, click "NEW" under the appropriate link on our frontpage.
Please check the date of your confirmation. If dated earlier than 2005 or more than
one year old, your organization is no longer in the system. Please
enroll by following the current enrollment
procedure as listed on here for a NEW registrant. If renewing your
account, follow the instructions to email to closings@wusa9.com.
W*USA 9 discontinued using faxes in
1999. Your request will not be acknowledged. In 2006, we converted
to an email system and no longer use US mail.
In order to avoid delay and possible confusion,
messages identical to that of a larger system will automatically be deleted.
New registrants: If not stated otherwise in your submission letter, your
zip code determines your larger system; hence, 20016 would either follow
DC public schools or DC Government. It is permitted to follow a larger
system outside of your jurisdiction. Several private schools follow Montgomery
or Prince George’s County, even though they are located in the
District.
ABSOLUTELY! We appreciate ALL organizations
that turn to us for inclement weather. Announcements made on 9NEWS
NOW are streaming constantly to our website so if you’re
logged on or tuned in, you will get the most up-to-date information
on closings
quicker and more accurately. It is also a good back-up for your organization
to turn to if your website goes down or "freezes".
All registrants must have at least a minimum
of 400 individuals in any capacity in order to
be considered. All registrants enrolled are required to follow a larger school
or government
system first. Identical announcements between a larger system and a registrant
will not be
permitted and may be deleted at our discretion.
The
immediate viewing areas for W*USA 9 are those counties in and immediately
surrounding the Beltway. We have secondary and outer limits to where our
signal is reached. The list of counties below
are ones that are regularly in contact with W*USA 9 on a regular
basis, are the most requested and followed by the public, and are permanent
fixtures
in
our closings system. They are:
• Immediate area includes: The District of Columbia. In Maryland: Anne Arundel, Frederick, Montgomery,
Prince George's
and any municipality located
in these counties. In Virginia: Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun,
Prince William and any municipality located in these counties.
• Secondary area includes: In Maryland: Calvert, Carroll, Charles, and
Howard. For Virginia: Fauquier, Clarke, Stafford, Page, Warren.
• Outer limits: In Maryland: Allegany, Garrett, St. Mary’s,
Washington. In Virginia: Culpeper, Frederick, Northumberland, Orange, King
George, Rappahannock,
Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Warren, Winchester, and Westmoreland. In West Virginia:
Berkeley, Grant, Hardy, Hampshire, Jefferson, Mineral, and Morgan.
There are plenty of quicker and more beneficial ways to address the need that
are completely free or nominal charge. We suggest using one or a combination
of the following:
• Following a larger system: This
is the most economical, expedient, and most common practice. This can be
any government or school system. Be sure
to plan for those off-days, half-days and holidays in order to avoid conflict.
Most calendars and weather policies are posted on the individual websites so
that conflicts can be avoided early. Many institutions, for example, use the
larger systems to fit their need: If the larger system is 2 hours late, their
institution will be 1 hour and it has worked out very well. Remember to notify
those of your procedure.
•
Creating a recorded message or phone tree: This, many have found is
the most economical way to address the issue for many smaller organizations
who number less than 100 to 300.
•
If you have a website: post your announcement on your home page and
direct those in your organization that announcements will be made only there.
It is suggested for those who do not have the internet in your organization
to find a 'net buddy' and exchange phone numbers. Or collect a
list of those who do not have the internet so a phone tree can be established.
•
Creating an email alert: through your website, email, or other
service. Schools-out.com may be good to try; however they may not be free and
can be
expensive.
•
Creating a website or "group": Many free internet providers
have 'club' or 'groups'. The home page or bulletin
board can be the place to display a closing or delay. Many also have settings
so that all in your ‘club’ will receive special messages in their
personal email. Many even have their own private chat rooms and photo galleries.
Most are free or nominal charge. Yahoo.com or other free service may be a good
try. |
