MCHD Inclement Weather

Questions and Answers

Q1: The County declared an inclement weather event. How will I know whether my work site is opening at the normal time, opening late or closed?

A1: You should be contacted by your supervisor via a call down list. You may also call the Health Department’s Operations Status Hotline at 503-988-6543 for the most current information.

Q2: How will I know whether I have a 2-hour “grace period” to get to work in inclement weather?

A2: The County Chair or the Department Director must declare an inclement weather event or else any time missed will be treated as vacation or other appropriate category. This declaration is the key that unlocks the 2-hour “grace period.”

Q3: My work site is opening later than normal because of a declared inclement weather event. If I arrive at the revised opening time will I be paid for a full work day?

A3: Yes, you will be paid for a full day if you arrive by the revised opening time (usually scheduled for at least 2 hours past the normal opening time).

However, if you arrive after the revised opening time, you will be charged for any time past the revised opening time. The 2-hour “grace period” is the time between normal opening and the revised opening.

Q4: My work site is opening later than normal because an inclement weather event has been declared. My normal work shift starts before the revised opening time. When should I report to work?

A4: Most employees will report at the revised opening time. However, you may report earlier than the revised opening time if you have checked with your manager/supervisor who is responsible to make sure the building is safe and ready for staff and clients for the revised opening time.

Q5: My work site is opening later than normal because an inclement weather event has been declared. My normal work shift starts afterthe revised opening time. When should I report to work?

A5: Report at your normal reporting time.

Q6: How will our clients know whether to come to the clinic or not in bad weather?

A6: Clients may call their clinic or watch/listen for updates on the news.

Q7: My children’s school just closed and I need to stay home to provide daycare. Do I get any special consideration for this?

A7: No, if you miss the day, you will be charged to vacation or other appropriate category.

Q8: I work in a School-Based Clinic. My school is closed due to inclement weather so I am unable to report to my work site. What should I do?

A8: Contact your manager/supervisor who may direct you to report to another work site. Please check with your manager/supervisor in advance of an inclement weather event to see if you have an alternate assigned work site.

 Q9: I can’t get to my work site, but I can get to another work site. Should I report there?

A9: This decision rests with your manager/supervisor. However it is expected that managers will have a plan for employees to work at an alternative site prior to a weather event.

Q10: May I work from home during inclement weather? I can access my email from my home computer.

A10: Only if your manager/supervisor approves. If not approved, you will be charged vacation or other appropriate category of leave. If your work site is closed or you are unable to get to your work site, your manager/supervisor may direct you to report to another work site.