With many more snow days likely, the federal government in the Washington area has, so far, had two, 2-hour delays (on January 18th and 27th) and authorized a 2-hour early release (on the 26th.) DC area public schools have had one shutdown. Uncle Sam, so far, hasn’t had any shutdowns this winter. (In early editions of this column I said, incorrectly, there had been one closure. Wrong and sorry!)

So which is better for all concerned? A total shutdown of non-emergency operations or an early-release/delayed arrival policy? And what do federal agencies do in tough winter weather towns like Chicago, Boston and the Twin Cities?

Most people here seemed to applaud the shutdown (which included area schools) which made it easier for emergency crews to get around and probably saved some lives. It also made it easier for us private sector types who had to come to work. Mostly a win win.

The early release was more controversial. Check out the 15 (which is a lot) posted comments on it in Your Call: Your Car, Sanity, Life or a Day Off, posted on Feb. 2.

After assessing the early-release day, a lot of people in government said that feds should take more responsibility for their own actions (and safety) and take time off using their own annual leave to either stay home (with permission) or come in later or leave earlier. Invest a little leave time, maybe save your neck is what they were saying.

Like so:

• “Bottom line, it’s better to get 5 days off (like last year) for snow then the rest of your life. I prefer to be able to come in the next day. It was done correctly. Plus keep all those cars off the road so the snow removal crews can clear. Duh! R.J.
• “At the Social Security Administration in Baltimore, they closed at 3 p.m. I was due off at 3:05. There was confusion, I guess, about what two hours early meant. OPM does the best it can. No big deal.” Dave A.
• “Regarding the blasting of ‘staggered release,’ I do understand that people in this area leaving at a single snowflake. I have 3 people like that who work for me. In any case, I believe it is the responsibility of supervisors to enforce the release times. All my folks left at their appropriate 2 hour early time. However, both my supervisor and I misjudged the weather and left when our regular 8 hours were up. By that time, the damage was already done and gridlock was in full swing. We both applaud OPM’s forethought and decision. We definitely agree that the Fed-Commute should take heed and heal thy self.” J.V.
• “I am not a federal government worker. But I can tell you that me and my colleagues would jump at the chance to take a day off, on our own leave dime, if the boss would let us. I don’t understand the mentality of people hanging around or coming in simply because they don’t want to lose a couple of hours of annual leave.” Private Sector Rob.

So how does Uncle Sam handle foul weather in other places? Although D.C. is headquarters town for most agencies, many cities have their own semi-autonomous Federal Executive Boards which make the call.

And what about snow emergencies in Chicago which has tougher winters? Here are the Chicagoland guidelines:

“…(T)he ultimate decision to close each individual office is up to the agency head or the supervisor of each agency; agencies are strongly encouraged to give special weight to the advisory when making decisions. The Regional Transportation Authority has indicated that neither the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) nor the commuter railroads (METRA) can adjust capacity to handle early dismissal. Therefore, while an early closing may be a benefit to those who depend upon private transportation, that benefit must be weighed carefully when making a decision for early dismissal.

“Agencies located in areas outside the main business section of Chicago may or may not be directly affected by the emergency situation. The agency heads in those locations should use their own discretion regarding the need for an early dismissal of employees. If locations outside the Chicago business district are affected, fact-specific guidance will be provided at the time of an emergency situation.”

To reach me: mcausey@federalnewsradio.com

Nearly Useless Factoid
by Suzanne Kubota

As reported in 17 Things that Fell from the Sky by allgov.com:

The famous Kentucky meat-shower took place in southern Bath County on Friday, March 3, 1876. Mrs. Allen Crouch was in her yard making soap when pieces of fresh meat the size of large snowflakes began to fall from the cloudless sky. Two gentlemen who tasted it said that it was either mutton or venison. Scientists who examined the material found the first samples similar to lung tissue from either a human infant or a horse. Other later samples were identified as cartilage and striated muscle fibers. The local explanation was that a flock of buzzards had disgorged as a group while flying overhead.

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