FAQ: Closings & Delays
When there are active closings, view them here.
WCVB NewsCenter 5 receives a number of phone calls and e-mails from viewers with questions. One of the most common questions concerns our "Snow Code" system for announcing school and business closings.
So, we thought explaining the system here would help you.
The snow closing system is a viewer-operated system. WCVB-TV and WCVB.com DO NOT enter the information in the system. That comes straight from the school/business/institution.
Before you can enter information, you need a snow code.
HOW TO OBTAIN A SNOW CODE
If your organization wants an announcement in the snow closing system, please put your request on company letterhead and indicate a contact person, number of people you serve per day, mailing address, city, zip code, contact phone number and a return email address. Then send the request by one of the following:
- Send an attachment on company letterhead to wcvbnews@hearst.com with Attn: Snow Closings in the subject line
- Mail: WCVB-TV, 5 TV Place, Needham, Mass. 02494 Attn: Snow Closings PLEASE NOTE: If you already have a code that has a six-digit user code and six-digit pass code it will not change unless we contact you.
After receiving your information, our administrator will assign a code. You will receive this information by email or fax only. Incomplete submissions will be denied.
NOTES
- It takes a few days for us to process a snow code request -- so make sure to get your request in before the next storm. If you already have a snow code (with a six-digit user code and passcode), you don't need another one. We recommend that you test it before the next closing season begins. If you had a snow code but don't remember it, you'll need to obtain a new one.
- After you have a snow code, appointed people at each institution are given access to a secure Web page or phone number. On the Web page, you'll enter a username and passcode, then report your closing.
- Due to the extraordinary number of requests and the ability to effectively display closings on air in a timely fashion, small schools, private after-school programs, non-profits and daycare institutions will only be available online at www.WCVB.com and on WCVB mobile apps.
- What time your school or institution chooses to close or delay is totally up to them. WCVB NewsCenter 5 and WCVB.com only display the information it has received.
- The system is constantly updating closings on WCVB NewsCenter 5 and WCVB.com. To see the latest closings online, go here. You may have to refresh the page every few minutes for the latest closings.
The snow closing system's information is purged three times daily -- at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. After that any information is new and pertains to that day, night, etc, or the next 24-36 hours.
Thanks for helping WCVB NewsCenter 5 keep our community informed. Stay tuned to WCVB, WCVB.com, and the WCVB Mobile App for your winter weather forecast!