Work is delayed, now what?

Published March 5, 2013
By Lea Johnson
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A call to the Peterson snow call line, 556-SNOW, or a visit to the Peterson Facebook page, is a quick way to find out the base reporting status on those snowy mornings. The base may be closed, have a delayed start or have regular reporting. On days with delayed reporting, the snow call message indicates a "report no earlier than" time. This gives the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron time to clear the roads and parking lots before personnel arrive for work.

Over the last few months, individuals have brought up a series of questions that the snow call message itself does not address in the case of delayed reporting. These frequently asked questions address the issues brought up by many individuals. For more information, contact your supervisor.

If I am scheduled for gate guard duty, what do I do?
Augmentees should report a half hour prior to the report no earlier than time. If the snow call determines non-mission essential personnel report no earlier than 9:30 a.m., augmentees should report at 9 a.m.

What if I think it is too dangerous to drive?
Safety is of the upmost importance. Weather conditions can vary widely across the area and what is safe driving conditions for one person may not be for another. If individuals feel it is unsafe to attempt driving to work, they should contact their supervisor to discuss the situation.

What do I do if I have a medical appointment scheduled?
Any medical appointments that are prior to the report no earlier than time will need to be rescheduled. Individuals who have a cancelled appointment due to a snow delay can call 524-CARE or 526-CARE (2273) to make a new appointment.

If there is a delay or closure, will the Commissary or Exchange be open?
The Commissary and Exchange will open the same time as the report no earlier than time on days they are normally open.

When does the Child Development Center open?
For mission essential personnel, the CDC opens at 6:30 a.m. These families have a letter on file notifying staff they are mission essential. Even though there is staff there at 6:30 a.m., non-mission essential personnel should not bring their children in until the report no earlier than time. The CDC has their own mission essential staff who come in on delayed reporting days; however, they are not equipped to take care of extra children during that time.

My child goes to an in-home childcare provider on base, when can I drop them off?
In-home childcare providers set their own hours. Families should discuss this with their care provider.

Are school buses allowed on base when there is a delay or closure?
School buses will come on base at their normal time if the school district is not delayed regardless of the status of the base. If the school is running on a delayed schedule, buses will run accordingly.

What if I work at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station? Who do I call?
A representative from CMAFS participates in the snow call with Peterson but ultimately makes their own decision for the reporting of CMAFS personnel. The CMAFS snow call line is (719) 474-3333, and information will also be sent to local media outlets.