Snow day checklist for parents
Ten minutes the evening before saves a scramble at 6 AM.
By Petar M., editor · Updated October 18, 2026 · How we research
In this guide (4)
Early in the season
- Check that your phone number and email are current in your district's alert system.
- Find out how your district announces closures (text, call, website, social media) and whether it uses delays or remote days.
- Agree on a snow day childcare plan: a relative, a neighbor, a work-from-home day, a trade with other parents.
- Add the calculator to your phone's home screen: see the app page.
The night before a possible snow day
- Check the chance for your district in the evening, and again before bed. A closure chance above about 60% is worth planning for.
- Look at the delay chance too: a likely delay means a late start, not a day off.
- Charge phones, laptops and school devices (for a remote day or a power outage).
- Lay out warm clothes, boots, hats and gloves for a cold bus stop either way.
- Tell your employer or set up backup childcare if the chance is high.
The morning of
- Check your district's official channels first. Its decision is the only one that counts.
- If school is open on an icy morning, allow extra time and keep children back from the curb at the stop.
- Watch for an early dismissal if the storm is arriving during the day.
After the snow day
- Tell us what your district did: report it in ten seconds. Reports make the next estimate better.
- Note any make-up day your district announces.
Check your district
See tomorrow's chance of a closure or delay for your ZIP code. Open the calculator, or find your state or city.