Blizzard, Snowstorm, or Extreme Cold/Heat

Goal - why is this important to us?

It can get pretty cold here in Michigan & here at Dawn Farm we want to make sure our clients & staff are taken care of when the weather takes a turn for the worst.

Steps - what do I do?

Cold: If the actual temperature or wind chill is 1°F thru 15°F, clients should not go outside for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Clients should have on a coat, long pants, closed toe shoes, and if possible gloves and hat. Staff should provide clients with needed items from donations whenever possible.

If the actual temperature or wind chill is 0°F & below, clients should not go out to look for work or walk to meetings. The only outdoor work duties that should be completed are the feeding and watering of animals.

Heat: If the actual temperature or with humidity level is 90°F thru 95°F, clients should not go outside for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Clients should have loose/light clothing and drink plenty of water.

If the actual temperature or with humidity level is 96°F & above, clients should not go out to look for work or walk to meetings. Outdoor work duties should be skipped unless absolutely necessary with safe precautions.

Symptoms of heat stroke include: elevated body temperature, rapid heartbeat, rapid and shallow breathing, headache, dizziness or light-headedness, nausea, fainting, confusion, hot and dry skin, and inability to sweat. If an individual is experiencing these symptoms, call 911.

Blizzard or severe snowstorm: A blizzard or severe snowstorm should not disrupt normal operations except in regards to road conditions. If road conditions seem unsafe, monitor them with the radio.

If there is a winter snow watch or snow advisory, call your supervisor before transporting any clients or just yourself in the van, and think about alternate arrangements that can be made.

1°F thru 15°F = Not outside for more than 15 minutes at a time

0°F and below=Not out to look for work. No walking to meetings

90°F thru 95°F= Not outside for more than 15 minutes at a time

96°F & Above = Not out to look for work. No walking to meetings. Limited work duties with precautions