Inclement Weather Policy
Inquiring about what to do when there is inclement weather? Click on the sections below to see Spring Dell Center’s Inclement Weather Policies and Procedures.
Inclement Weather Policy for Participants, Families and Agency Providers
Participants, Families and Agency Providers
November 2019
Policy
Spring Dell will use discretion in deciding operating schedules for services offered at 6040 Radio Station Road, La Plata, MD during inclement weather. The agency does not follow the decision of the Charles County Board of Education nor Charles County Government. In the event that we make the decision to close the center for the entire day or issue a delayed opening or early closure, every effort will be made to place a message on the agency’s phone recording (301) 934-4561 by 5:30 a.m.
The agency will also make every attempt to have closings and delays announced through the following media:
Spring Dell website: www.springdellcenter.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/springdell/ STAR 98.3 Radio & Television Channels 4, 5 & 9
**Please note that when a delayed opening has been announced, you are encouraged to recheck the status of the delay (via our phone recording). There will be occasions when the agency changes a delayed opening to an actual closing if conditions have worsened.
REVISED: 11/18/19
Inclement Weather Policy for All Staff
All Staff
November 2019
Policy
Spring Dell will use discretion in deciding operating schedules for services offered at 6040 Radio Station Road, La Plata, MD during inclement weather. The agency does not follow the decision of the Charles County Board of Education nor Charles County Government. In the event that we make the decision to close the center for the entire day or issue a delayed opening or early closure, every effort will be made to place a message on the agency’s phone recording (301) 934-4561 by 5:30 a.m.
The agency will also make every attempt to have closings and delays announced through the following media:
Spring Dell website: www.springdellcenter.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/springdell/ STAR 98.3 Radio & Television Channels 4, 5 & 9
PROCEDURE
Closure for Entire Day: When the decision has been made to close the 6040 Radio Station Road, La Plata, MD site for the entire day, all staff (except those noted below**) will have the choice to request annual leave or request leave without pay for the day. Please also note in lieu of using leave, you can choose to work at another agency location for your shift. This option is available to all employees, even if you are not fully trained at a location, as you would not work alone if not trained. All employees can choose to work in a residential home, at a resale store location or assist the facilities department on a day the center is closed. If you choose to work to cover your shift hours, you will not be using your annual leave nor will you have to take leave without pay, unless it does not cover all of your regular shift hours. You are encouraged to consider these options and coordinate your selection prior to the actual closure day with the appropriate department supervisor.
Delayed Opening: When the decision has been made for a delayed opening of the 6040 Radio Station Road, La Plata, MD site, all staff (except those noted below**) will be granted a 30 minute grace period to arrive to work, if weather or other conditions warrant and is not to automatically be used. Staff that have not arrived to work within 30 minutes of their scheduled shift, must contact (speak to) their supervisor to request and be approved the additional annual leave needed. If you do not have annual leave, you will need to request LWOP.
Early Dismissal: Staff will be permitted to leave once the individuals supported have departed. They will not be required to use leave. The staff (Program Directors & Coordinators) will attempt to contact families to inform them of the early dismissal. Staff are to assure updated contact information is on file at all times for individuals on their caseload.
**STAFF EXCEPTIONS to above policy:
**Facilities Department staff do not follow the above policy and must contact supervisor to determine work schedule during inclement weather days, as they are considered essential personnel.
**Residential Staff who work at our residential homes must always report to work for their scheduled shift. 7on 7off staff are expected to remain on shift on days the center is closed, has a delayed opening or early dismissal.
**Resale Store Employees (Hooks & Hangers I, II) please contact supervisor for store policy operating schedule.
**Community Employment staff may have specific job placements they will still be responsible for. Please discuss with your supervisor.
Please also note that when the agency closes due to inclement weather, the closure is the same for staff and individuals. The building will be completely closed, without access for staff.
REVISED: 11/18/19
Unplanned/Emergency Closings
Policy
Spring Dell recognizes there may be unscheduled days during the year that the Radio Station Road Administrative Building supporting the Vocational and Employment programs has to close unexpectedly. This may be due to weather, plumbing, HVAC, electrical issues, etc. During these unforeseen closings, staff must choose one of the following options:
Procedure:
Employees may be asked or may request to work other locations such as residential or retail/resale locations to avoid having to use leave or take leave without pay. Interested employees must make prior arrangements with the supervisor at the location being requested.
It should also be noted that an employee may not use annual leave for the unexpected closing and then work another location. If you work the other location, you will not be granted annual leave pay as well (unless it is to make up your shift hours).
**For Early Dismissal/Delayed Openings – please refer to our Inclement Weather Procedure.**
REVISED: 11/18/19