Winter Weather Emergencies

Description: 

Winter weather emergencies can include: Winter storm watches, warnings, and blizzards. These storms create dangerous driving conditions and concerns from exposure to cold temperatures, as well as wind and icy surfaces that can lead to slips and falls. Weather conditions should be monitored to minimize unnecessary driving or outdoor exposure. Considerations should be made for sheltering in place if driving is too hazardous.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Emergency Response Team/Leadership

  • Notify employees per departmental inclement weather policy

  • Consider notifying staff using the emergency alert system

  • If employees are already at work, notify employees of impending storm and take appropriate actions

  • Ensure accountability of staff and visitors

  • Ensure provisions are available for staff and visitors (e.g., food, water, etc.)

• Staff

  • Follow departmental inclement weather policy

  • Check weather/road conditions before attempting to travel to/from work

  • Department of Revenue Communication Hot Line: 303-205-8410 for office closure information

  • If already at work, inquire directions from leadership and take appropriate action

  • Maintain an emergency supply kit at work with adequate provisions for 3 days

  • Stay informed of potential severe winter weather through a variety of sources: news media, weather alerting apps, reverse notification systems, NOAA radios, and weather related websites

  • Always have an emergency kit in your car

• Emergency Supply Kit List

National Weather Service:

• Types of winter weather notifications:

  • WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY - When winter conditions (e.g., snow, sleet and/or freezing rain/ice) are expected to cause significant

  • WINTER STORM WATCH - When severe winter conditions (heavy snow and/or significant ice accumulations) are possible within the next day or two

  • WINTER STORM WARNING - When severe winter conditions are expected

    • Heavy Snow: 7 + inches in 12 hours or 9+ inches in 24 hours

    • Ice Storm: ½ inch or more

    • inconvenience and may be hazardous

  • BLIZZARD WARNING - When snow and strong winds will combine to produce blinding snow (visibility near zero/whiteouts) and deep snow drifts.