Department of Homeland Security Inclement Weather Policy
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) tackles an important duty: protecting the citizens of the U.S. However, severe weather or national emergencies may complicate the agency's operation. The U.S. government has a detailed policy for federal employees and inclement weather closures.
Other People Are Reading
-
General Government Policy
-
Many government employees working in the District of Columbia commute to work on a daily basis from other states, such as Maryland and Virginia. In some cases of inclement weather, natural disasters or other emergencies, major highway routes might be blocked and trains might not be running. In these situations, the U.S. government may announce the closure of certain agencies. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Washington Area Dismissal or Closure Procedures apply only to employees and agencies operating in the DC mtro area. These procedures apply to DHS employees.
Policy Exceptions
-
In unusual cases, the OPM may make a decision binding on federal employees working in agencies outside the DC metro area. Employees designated "emergency employees" are critical to agency operations. The head of the agency has the final decision about whether emergency employees must report to work that day. For instance, emergency employees may need to report to work in a national emergency. Some agencies may require all employees to perform "telework" and coordinate with agency heads through the use of the telephone and the internet. The OPM stresses that employees working remotely in an inclement weather situation are not entitled to overtime pay or paid time off.
-
Checking Status
-
The Office of Personnel Management has a status website that displays the current federal government operating status in Washington. Regardless of the date or weather, employees can check the website, read the policy and search for details of any possible closures.
-
