Only a couple of weeks into the new year, and we’re already seeing our first big weather event: Winter Storm Juno is here. For many this won’t be their first time on the snowmageddon rodeo, but it’s important to keep proper protocol in mind while they ride out the storm.
1. Work
According to Meghan Hill, writer for Employment Law Worldview, it’s important to remember that traditional wage and hour principles still apply, even when Jack Frost is nipping at your door:
Whether the employer closes the business or the employee is late due to snowy roads, hourly employees need only be paid for the time that they actually work, unless there is a collective bargaining agreement providing otherwise…
For exempt employees, it matters whether the employer is closed for business or the employee is unable or unwilling to come in because of the weather. If the employer shuts down its operations because of the weather, then exempt employees must be paid their normal salary for the workweek, as long as they have worked one day during the week. On the other hand, if the employer is open for business but the employee elects not to come in because of the storm, then the FLSA permits the employer to treat that as personal time off and to dock a salaried employee’s pay or require that the employee use paid time off. Once again, state or local laws could require more of an employer than the federal statute does, so it is important that employers also pay attention to those requirements.
Additionally, the FLSA says that exempt employees need to be paid for the full day, regardless of if they arrive late or leave early due to weather conditions. Daniel Schwartz notes that it’s important to know your state’s laws around employment law in harsh weather conditions. Employment Law Post also says it’s important to take certain HR precautions–access to data, payroll, etc.–before the storm takes over.
2. Staying safe on the roads
There’s plenty that drivers can do to prepare their car before the cold weather hits, and remember that any ill-weather will exasperate otherwise small problems in your vehicle. Generally during poor weather driving should be avoided at all costs. But if the need does arrive, Kay Van Wey hopes drivers will remember these basic tips, such as taking breaks to ensure you’re taking no risks with your safety at all. Valerie Butera also encourages employers to review OSHA’s best practices for winter driving–including double checking that there’s an emergency kit in every car they drive.
3. Preparedness, and once you’re inside
Regan, Zambri, and Long’s DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog covers plenty of things to do before the storm hits, including ensuring your loved ones are all on the same page in the event of an emergency:
Develop a plan with your family for what to do during frigid spells or blizzards. How will you get in touch with each other? Where will you meet up? How will you handle an emergency with one of the kids? Etc. Write your plan down, and make sure that everyone in your family – particularly children who are old enough to understand – are on the same page.
4. Insurance
With a snowstorm comes the usual onslaught of house issues as well. Ashley Harris writes for Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog on what every house needs to be prepared for:
Growing up in Michigan, it was essential that we had a pantry stocked with provisions, vehicles filled with fuel, and lots of dry firewood for big winter storms. What many of us in the warmer climates don’t realize is how the snow, cold temperatures, and ice can cause severe property damage. With bad winter weather, power outages are common. For homeowners this can mean frozen pipes, water damage, power fluctuations, roof damage, ice and weight of snow damage, food spoilage losses and more. Business owners can experience all of the above and potentially have a loss of business income and extra-expense claims.
Property damage as a result of a winter storm is likely not a matter of if, but when. Those who have been impacted by this bad winter weather storm need to make sure they stay safe and warm. (Bring those outside animals indoors)
If the storm has caused property damage, be sure to promptly notify your insurance company and if you have any questions about how the insurance company is handling your claim, you can post your comments below or send in your emails.
These precautions won’t solve all the problems a blizzard can bring, but it can greatly minimize the clean up and damage once the storm has passed. Stay warm and stay safe!