XN000022-1997-04-24 — Page 26

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Whenever Hong Kong is threatened by hazardous weather, it is important to listen to radio and television broadcasts for the latest weather bulletins and announcements. During the passage of tropical cyclones, members of the public should call the public enquiry service Of Home Affairs Department at 2835 1473 for an update on signal status.

Weather information is also available from the Dial-a-Weather service at 187 8200 (Cantonese) and 187 8066 (English).For those with access to Internet, they may read the latest warning message at the Royal Observatory home page

http://www.info.gov.hk/ro/index.htm,

End

Special arrangements for schools in bad weather

The Education Department today (Thursday) drew the attention of all kindergartens, schools and parents to the department's arrangements in the event of tropical cyclones and heavy rain in the summer months.

Under the arrangements, the Education Department will announce the closure of all kindergartens through radio and television stations when tropical cyclone warning signal No. 3 is hoisted.

When a No. 8 or higher signal is issued, an announcement will be made to close all schools for the day.

In the case of rainstorm warnings - operating on a colour coded warning system of amber, red and black - schools will continue to operate on the issue of the "red" warning unless otherwise advised by the department. However, the department will make an announcement to close all schools once the "black" warning is issued.

A spokesman said: "Whenever possible, the department will make the first school closure announcement before 6.15 am for AM and whole-day schools and before 11 am for PM schools and the PM session of whole-day schools."

"In case students are already on their way to school when No. 3/No. 8 or the rainstorm warning signal red/black is issued, schools should arrange with teachers and staff to look after the students until it is safe for them to go home," he added.