ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As schools across Central Florida get ready to open their doors to students, plans were being prepared to keep children safe during severe weather.
Orange County Public Schools observe the 30-30 rule, meaning students cannot be dismissed if thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a lightning strike.
Schools must also wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before letting students leave.
Read: Connect Orange FAQ for parents
“Orange County Public Schools is well aware that inclement weather, including lightning, can strike Central Florida without much warning this time of the year,” Channel 9 certified meteorologist Rusty McCranie said.
Most buses in the county serve three schools: A high school, an elementary school and a middle school.
If one school is delayed because of the 30-30 rule, it can cause a chain reaction and create delays and other schools.
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Also, Central Florida’s summer storms become too intense, the bus driver may choose to pull over and wait it out or return to the school.
To keep up-to-date on school and bus delays, Orange County Schools provides Connect Orange, which gives updates via phone, email or text.
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