Emergency & Weather

Emergency Information

OUTS is responsible for the safe operation and management of transportation services.  In order to carry out this responsibility with the assistance of other agencies, the following procedures will be used in the event of inclement weather.

Natural Disaster

In the event of an emergency or national disaster, all scheduled transportation services will be discontinued. Every effort will be made to take those clients who are enroute or at appointments to their homes as quickly as possible. OUTS will assist the county emergency management services to provide emergency transportation service in the event of a disaster.  The system vehicles will be used to transport disabled and or the elderly, and any other citizen to safe shelters when notified by the county. 

Procedures

In case of an accident or other emergency the client should:

  1. Follow the driver’s instructions. 
  2. Remain calm.
  3. Maintain orderly evacuation of the vehicle, if warranted. 
  4. Stay off roadway in a safe location. 
  5. Call for emergency response if the driver is incapacitated.
  6. Drivers will provide detailed and accurate reports of all accidents/incidents, using OUTS accident/incident reporting forms.

Inclement Weather Policy

(Snow, Ice, Hurricane, etc.)

As a general guideline, no transportation will be provided on icy or snowy days or when unsafe road conditions exist. OUTS will observe the Onslow County Public Schools recommendations/actions concerning operation during inclement weather. However, the Executive Director makes the final decision.  

OUTS Executive Director will contact Onslow County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for recommendations on safe transportation operation for the day.  Delays and cancellations of regular services are for the safety of our clients and OUTS personnel.

If the County Schools are delayed, the Executive Director will make the final decision in reference to transit services for that day.

If the county schools are closed, rural transportation routes may not operate. OUTS Executive Director reserves the right to make any final decision pertaining to closings or delayed openings.

If the schools are closed for a period of more than three days due to poor road conditions, it will be the OUTS Executive Director, in conjunction with EOC, decision to resume limited or regular service.

OUTS will post changes to operations on the website, social media outlets and contact the local Television Stations:

      • Channel 12 – WCTI
      • Channel 7 – WITN
      • Channel 10 – locally known as G-10 (Government television)

If inclement weather occurs in midday, the same procedures will apply.  Transportation take-home procedures may have to be modified and will be determined by transportation system staff.  However, if at all possible, all clients will be taken home.

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