WXII 12 News and WXII 12 Weather Plus get 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. At right, we have more links with information about severe weather alerts and WXII 12 Weather Plus.

The snow closing system is a viewer-operated system. WXII-TV, WXII 12 Weather Plus, and WXII12.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 (Directions for obtaining are at bottom of page -- or click here).

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 or automated phone system, you'll enter a username and passcode, then report your closing.

What time your school or institution chooses to close or delay is totally up to them. WXII 12 News, WXII 12 Weather Plus and WXII12.com only display the information it has received.

The system is constantly updating closings on WXII12, WXII12 Weather Plus, and WXII12.com. To see the latest closings online, go here. You may have to refresh the page every few minutes for the latest closings.

Would you like to have closing alerts e-mailed to you? It's easy -- just head to the bottom of the closings page and follow the instructions. We can also send alerts to your cell phone -- but your phone MUST have the ability to receive e-mail or text messages.

The snow closing system's information is purged three times daily -- at 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. After that any information is new and pertains to that day, night, etc, or the next 24-36 hours.

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, zipcode, and contact phone number. Then send the request by one of the following:

1) Fax: 336-721-0856

2) Mail: WXII-TV, 700 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27106, Attn: Snow Closing Desk

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 snow desk will assign a code. You will receive this information by mail or fax only. Incomplete submissions will be denied.

Thanks for helping WXII 12 keep our community informed. Stay tuned to WXII 12, WXII 12 Weather Plus and WXII12.com for your winter weather forecast.

You may reach the snow closing desk at 336-703-6232.