Weather Emergencies
In the State of Maryland, communities can encounter an array of weather anomalies that can impact our roads, schools, and government. During an event such as a snowstorm, counties throughout Maryland work together in unison, making sure extreme weather does not affect our safety and ability to navigate throughout our neighborhoods.
Community Use of Public Facilities
During wintry weather conditions, the Office of Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) works with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery County Recreation, and Montgomery Parks. The reasoning for this collaboration is primarily in part due to our connections with athletic field usage, childcare services, and daily programming, which can all be impacted by adverse weather conditions. As a reminder, during a weather emergency, CUPF relies on the messaging and alerts of our community partners, especially when formulating a cohesive announcement regarding severe storm warnings.
CUPF Facility Use License Agreement (FULA) -
Public School Facilities
Users conducting activities on athletic field, stadium, or running track agree to the
following:
Use of Synthetic Turf fields is prohibited if:
a. Excessive heat conditions exist;
b. Lightning is occurring;
c. Field is covered in snow or ice.
Use of Running Tracks is prohibited if:
a. Excessive heat conditions exist;
b. Lightning is occurring;
c. Track is covered in snow or ice.
Users conducting activities on outdoor Tennis courts, outdoor Pickleball courts, and
outdoor Basketball courts agree to the following:
Use is prohibited if:
a. Excessive heat conditions exist;
b. Lightning is occurring;
c. Steady rain is falling;
d. Court is covered in snow, ice, mud, debris, standing water, or leaves.
Emergency Closures/Inclement Weather Policy.
A. Community use activities will automatically be cancelled Monday-Friday when schools close early or for the entire day.
B. On weekends and holidays CUPF will make cancellation decisions as soon as possible.
C. Natural grass field closure decisions are available online at: www.rainoutline.com
D. Closings will be broadcasted on local radio and television stations, posted online on a
county website and Alert Montgomery. Neither the county nor the Board of Education is
responsible for the User’s losses as a result of emergency or snow cancellations above
and beyond the payments made to CUPF for the use of the facility.
Alerts
Emergency alerts can provide accurate and immediate emergency notifications. Listed below are Montgomery County, MD, agencies and departments that provide direct alert notifications pertaining to their operations. During a weather emergency, an individual can utilize the provided links to stay well informed.
1) Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS)
2) Montgomery County Public Schools - Inclement weather
3) Montgomery County Winter Storm Information Portal
4) Montgomery County Recreation Inclement Weather Information
5) Montgomery Parks Weather Alerts
6) Montgomery Parks Rainout Line - Athletic Field Operating Status
After-Hours Help Line
During your reservation, if you experience a lockout, HVAC
issue, security concern, equipment failure, rooms permitted not available for
use upon arrival, or other comparable situation, call or send a text message
to 240-490-CUPF (2873).
Provide your name, reason for your call, and the phone number where you can be reached.
Thank you
Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!