Centerville High School - Elkonian Yearbook (Centerville, OH)

Weather .wa-.4 nexpected below freezing temperatures ac- companied by snowfall as far south as Miami, Fla., created havoc across the nation. Due to continual cold weather, power companies cut back everyone's fuel allotments, causing businesses and schools to close down for several days. Dayton Power and Light searched for other sources to use to continue supplying energy for their cus- tomers, while President Jimmy Carter proposed an en- ergy conservation plan that would provide energy sources with additional fuel for an emergency. ln an effort to help conserve energy, businesses cut their normal work week to 40 hours. Since keeping educational facilities open became a major concern, CenterviIIe's superintendent and board of education decided on a new split session schedule for the school system. Students shifted to this schedule were transported to other nearby schools that heated with other types of fuel. All across the country people were isolated in their homes, cars would not stan and pipes froze and burst bringing disaster to many families. How- ever, these problems did not compare to the trage- dies resulting from Ohio's cold weather. Men died of carbon monoxide poisoning while stranded in their car, plus the health and safety of the elderly and ill were a major concern for the community. Residences continued to conserve energy by clos- ing curtains, turning unused lights out and lowering thermostats to suggested temperatures of 60 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. This allow- ed some businesses to resume production again. Expecting another cold winter next year, school officials and Ohio congressmen planned new vacation and opening dates for schools to prevent another fu- ture crisis within school systems. Parents and administrators may not have appreciated the three-day week, however students enjoyed the tour-day weekend it created. About to enter his van and escape the confines of school, John Berberich em- barks on another lengthy weekend. Turning out lights, lowering thermostats as well as closing at earlier hours, allowed grocery stores and businesses to remain open. Foodarama follows the trend by co- operating with the struggling Dayton Power and Light Company. 31 Energy Crisis