Our institution is significantly smaller than The Field Museum. However, we had our share of issues this past winter and perhaps there is a nugget of information that could be useful. Although we are a private, non-profit county historical society (and not a county department), we follow our official county office opening and closing schedule for inclement whether. This includes delayed openings. When county offices are closed, we close. If the county offices are open late, we open late. It greatly simplifies the way we communicate. There is a county hotline and webpage to verify the schedule. All staff are responsible for checking this. Weekend staff communicate with the director. The leadership team is considered the essential staff and on call. Each department handles informing volunteers or school groups or organizations renting spaces as it applies to them. The phone system message and e-mails are always updated remotely. Everyone is expected to prepare to work from home as much as snow shoveling and ice allow. If electricity remains on, e-mails are expected to be answered etc. If you want further information, I can look for the official e-mail on this subject. It is distributed in the Fall of every year to remind all new and seasoned staff members about policies.
Hopefully something here helps you.
Ellen
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Ellen Endslow
Director of Collections/Curator
Chester County Historical Society
West Chester PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-19-2014 10:21 AM
From: Angela Perry
Subject: Emergency Closing Policies Due To Inclement Weather
Good morning,
I'm working on a few policies here at The Field and was hoping to see what others have for emergency closings due to inclement weather. Who have you identified as essential staff? Have you incorporated an unscheduled leave policy or delayed arrival/early dismissal policy?
Any policy samples or feedback is greatly appreciated.
Best,
Angela
Angela Perry
Employment Manager
The Field Museum
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
p: 312.665.7280
f: 312.665.7272