Weather Policies/Updates/Closings

Updated: 11/13/09 at 10:00 a.m.: Youth Programs Before/After School Programs are consolidated at the Brittingham-Midtown Community Center today (11/13/09) from 8:50 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.  The Brittingham-Midtown is open for regular operations.  All Instructional Classes are CANCELLED for today (11/13/09) and will resume on Saturday, November 14, 2009.

The Oyster Point Oyster Roast scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2009 has been CANCELLED due to the rain and wind from the nor 'easter. The event will not be rescheduled.

Due to facility damage from Nor'Easter Ida, the following scheduled events at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center have been cancelled. Ticket Holders for the DWELE concert, call the Box Office at757-247-8969 beginning Monday, November 16 at 10:00am.

Chasing George Washington: A White House Adventure - CANCELLED
Friday, November 13, 10:00am and 1:00pm

Pizza and Movie Night – CANCELLED
Friday, November 13, 6:00pm

DWELE Concert - CANCELLED
Sunday, November 15, 7:00pm

If it is announced that City of Newport News offices and departments are closed, then ALL Parks and Recreation programs are canceled for that day.  For information on City of Newport News offices (City Hall and other City Offices) opening status, please see: City of Newport News City Hall and City Offices Opening Status

Program specific policies for when Newport News Public Schools are closed or delayed yet City offices and departments are operating as normal:

ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
The closing of Athletic Programs will be decided on a case by case basis. For cancellations call 591-4892.

INSTRUCTIONAL CLASSES
If Newport News Public Schools are closed, then Instructional Classes are canceled for that day. For more information call the Instructional Classes voice mail at 926-7277 or the main office at 926-1400.

MATURE ADULT PROGRAMS
If Newport News Public Schools are closed, then all Mature Adult Programs' Senior Centers are closed. For more information call the Mature Adult Program at 926-1466.

SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS
If Newport News Public Schools are closed for a full day, the program will be consolidated to Brittingham-Midtown Community Center. The Center will open from 8:50 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or until the program is forced to close at an earlier time. Each child should bring a lunch. The consolidation site location could be moved based on emergency shelter locations and space needed.

If school opening is delayed, schools that have a morning program will open on the same delay and operate until school opening. If schools are operating on a two hour delay, the school age programs will open at 8:50 a.m.  If your school only has an afternoon program, there will be no morning session.

If schools close early, schools that have an afternoon program will open, however, you will have to pick up your child up before 5:30 p.m.

For more information or clarification of operations, please call the main office at 926-1400. For general announcements, call the administrative voice mail at 926-7282 or your center's voice mail.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM
If schools are closed, please call the Therapeutic Recreation Program office at 926-1444 or 591-4853 for hours of operation. The Brittingham-Midtown Community Center Program will close at 5:30 p.m. or earlier based upon weather. All parents will be notified of any program changes.

Disaster Preparedness Information for Your Pets-
The Animal Services Division (ASD) is dedicated to educating the citizens of Newport News on how to protect their pets in the event of a disaster. Information and educational brochures are distributed during regular contacts with pet owners in the field, during special events, and through public services announcements. The ASD staff frequently meets with emergency planners, animal control agencies, animal shelters and national organizations to develop emergency plans.

To protect your family and pets from the effects of a disaster, you must have a plan. The best way to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, may result in them being injured, lost or worse.

1. Plan Ahead to Take your Pets

Make arrangements with family or friends outside your immediate area to take in your pets. Have a list of pet-friendly hotels and boarding facilities along your evacuation route. A list of pet-friendly hotels can be found at www.petswelcome.com .

2. Plan Ahead to Bring What You Need

Bring a leash or carrier, food and water for three days, and any necessary medications. Also bring your pet's photo and rabies vaccination certificate.

3. Have a Backup Plan

Develop a buddy system with neighbors or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

4. Identify Your Pets

Make sure your pets are wearing up-to-date licenses and identification whether hurricane season or not. It's a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area. Microchipping is also recommended.

For further information call the Parks and Recreation office Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 926-1400.