Weather Preparedness

November 25, 2014

Dear Fellow SPIN Employee,

With the weather forecasted to include snow on Wednesday 11/26/14, we are planning ahead to assure everyone’s safety. While it is difficult to make the best decision in unfolding weather situations, SPIN intends to do its best to communicate as clearly as possible and keep everyone safe. Please discuss this communication with your supervisor if you have questions. Stay connected to the latest information we post on SPIN’s Portal or via Facebook or Twitter.

The following preparations and plans are in effect for 11/26/14:

Philadelphia Area Services

Residential: All Residential homes have received food money as of today and are expected to complete their shopping for Thanksgiving and other food needs by today. Homes have been checked for emergency supplies and snow shovels, salt, emergency lighting and other essentials. Our Residential staff are essential personnel and we are asking all Residential staff to plan ahead to arrive to work on time and safely. Medication needs have been called in to Health Services as of 1:30pm on 11/25 and will need to be picked up by 12 noon on 11/26.

Center-based Services: Children’s Services, Norcom, Outpatient Services: We do not expect to close or have a delayed opening for center-based services. An early dismissal is possible and will depend upon the track of the storm. Families will be requested to stay informed via SPIN’s website, Facebook or Twitter for up to date messages.

For all non-Residential CBU staff working in the community, the following is in effect: If the decision is made to stop all SPIN transportation, this means that if you are working out in the community using SPIN’s or your own vehicle, you are asked to stop service as quickly as possible after the notice is given to stop SPIN transportation as the road conditions will have been considered unsafe.  Please contact your supervisor for support.

Lehigh Valley Services

Higher snow accumulations are expected in this area. For Residential, we have made all arrangements as noted in the Philadelphia area regarding food money and supplies. Residential staff are essential personnel and are requested to plan ahead to arrive to work on time and safely. Please prepare a bag of personal items and make arrangements in the event you are held over. Emergency supports and resources are in place and ready in the event people need to be relocated if there are power outages or other problems. For Day staff, we will have no transportation on 11/26 in the Lehigh Valley. It is expected that many individuals will not be coming in to Day Services.

For All Employees

You will be expected to use leave time to make up any hours you are unable to work due to a program or service ending early. If you are qualified, you can request to work in Residential and may be assigned if you are needed. If you don’t have leave time, you will be paid only for hours worked and you will not be penalized for taking leave without pay. Please communicate directly with your immediate supervisor regarding any leave time concerns/issues.

Thanks,

Kathy

Please stay tuned to SPIN’s Portal, Website, Facebook page or Twitter feeds for current information on how the snow fall on Wednesday 11/26/14 will affect services.