Emergency Notifications, School Closings and Delays

About Decisions and Notifications

The decision to delay or close schools is not taken lightly. Information about the weather is gathered from many sources, including the National Weather Service, county agencies and neighboring school districts. PGCPS transportation supervisors survey roads, school driveways and sidewalks throughout the county.

We understand that changes to our school schedule greatly impact families — and we have made a concerted effort this year to inform you of delays and closures with as much advance notice as possible. In times when decisions are not as timely, please know we are doing our best.

Please note: All official PGCPS communications channels are created equal. We issue notifications in numerous ways (i.e., our website, email and text, phone bulletin board and local media). Some technology may be faster than others. A social media post with critical information will often be available sooner than a website update or email and text message. All serve as official notifications from Prince George's County Public Schools. Due to volume, we cannot respond to weather-related direct messages on social media.

It is our long-standing practice to remain open as long as roads are safe, open and passable, and predicted to remain so. In the event of inclement weather, the decision to open or close schools will be made prior to 5:30 a.m. on the day in question and communicated as soon as possible to the media, parents and staff.

Emergency Weather Plans Process

When it snows or the roads are icy, the best advice is to listen to the radio or watch the television news for notification of school closings or delays.  

• The Superintendent generally makes decision concerning early morning school closings or delayed openings prior to 5 a.m.
• An announcement is then provided to 38 radio stations and eight (8) television stations in the Washington metropolitan area. The goal is to contact the stations in time for early morning broadcasts that begin between 5 and 6 a.m. 
• This information may also be accessed on the school system's web page at www.pgcps.org After 6 a.m., staff and parents can also access the school system's Voice Mail Bulletin Board by calling 301-952-6000.  Wait for the opening message, and then press the number 1. 
• Watch PGCPS TV on Comcast Channel 96 or Verizon FIOS Channel 38

When schools are closed early or all day, all evening activities are cancelled, and school buildings are not available for after-school activities by other private or public organizations.  When schools have a two-hour delayed opening time, all half-day programs are cancelled.

Ways to Stay Informed

• PGCPS website (www.pgcps.org)
• Social media sites (facebook.com/pgcps, Twitter and Instagram: @PGCPS)
• PGCPS-TV (Channel 96/38)
• Local media outlets for updates
• E-alerts through SchoolMessenger
• PGCPS Weather Line 301-952-6000 (option “1”)