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HQ AFDW inclement weather reporting instructions

  • Published
  • By Air Force District of Washington
  • Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Headquarters, Air Force District of Washington Airmen should be aware of where to turn to for information about closures and delays due to inclement weather.

What reporting instructions do those assigned to HQ AFDW follow?
The Headquarters AFDW's operating status will be the same as that published by Office of Personnel Management's on their website, http://www.opm.gov. If OPM has a closed or delayed operating status, non-mission essential HQ AFDW personnel should follow the OPM reporting instructions. If OPM is open but Joint Base Andrews closed or delayed, non-mission essential HQ AFDW personnel should follow JBA reporting instructions.

What if I don't feel safe driving?
Safety first! Regardless of the status of OPM and/or JBA, safety is paramount. If you feel unsafe to travel, contact your supervisor to arrange reporting plans.

What if no call has been made and it is time for me to travel?
Contact your supervisor and hold in place until a call has been made.

Am I considered mission essential?
Contact your supervisor for your individual status.

What reporting instructions do those assigned to JBA follow?
The JBA commander will determine JBA's operating status. It will be determined by weather conditions, snow clearing operations on JBA, available OPM guidance, available school closures and installation mission considerations.

Where is JBA closure information found?
Operating status can be accessed through the following means: Andrews Straight Talk phone line: 301-981-5995; www.andrews.af.mil "Weather Watch" tab on the homepage, Facebook (www.facebook.com/jointbaseandrews) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/andrewsairforce) and the Joint Base Andrews App (available on iTunes and Google Play).

Important terms to understand:
Delayed Reporting: Essential personnel should report for duty on time. Non-essential personnel should report for duty no later than the designated number of hours following a standard 0730L report time or their normal reporting time if it is later. The option for unscheduled leave can be utilized. Non-essential personnel must notify their supervisors of their intent to use unscheduled leave and military members must receive supervisor approval before taking unscheduled leave.
Essential Only Reporting: Essential personnel must report for duty on time and may be required to remain on duty if weather is serious enough to prevent replacements from safely reporting. Essential only reporting implies "base closure" for any non-essential personnel until operating status is changed.     
Early Release: Essential personnel are expected to complete their shifts and may be required to remain on duty if the weather is serious enough to prevent replacements from safely reporting. Non-essential personnel should depart in accordance with JBA guidance. Early release implies "base closure" for any non-essential shift workers for the remainder of the calendar day.  

Additional information:
"Last year's winter season lasted longer than expected and caused several instances of base closure," said William Babcock, Deputy Director for Installation Support.

In previous years, Andrews' closures were usually in line with Office of Personnel Management's guidance and would close the base when it was advised by OPM. However, due to cases where harsh weather would hit areas near Andrews, but not directly affect the Andrews community, Andrews will operate on its own schedule.

"We will consider the OPM's guidance when making our decision for JBA," said Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing/JBA commander. "However, based on lessons learned from last year, we will incorporate other factors into the decision making process, most notably the ability to keep the airfield operable 24/7, as well as the ability for our snow removal team to clear roads and parking lots."

The flight line, referred to as America's Airfield, is heavily focused on to ensure it is always operational.

"We must balance the risk of ensuring mission-essential flying operations continue along with the safety concerns for personnel that commute to and from the base," Hoagland said. "Our number one objective is to maintain an operable airfield for the highest priority flying missions at JBA."

Also, with harsh weather slated to affect roadways and traffic, personnel are encouraged to keep safety in mind while traveling.

"Make sure to regularly check your tires, windshield wipers and have a blanket in your car at all times," Babcock said.

"It is important for each individual to make a personal risk assessment to see if they are safe to drive to and from work," Hoagland said. "Clear communication with supervisors and base leadership is paramount to ensure personnel know the daily status of the base during inclement weather conditions."

(Editor's note: Airman 1st Class Joshua R. M. Dewberry, 11th Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this article)