WINTER WEATHER IS ON THE WAY

College and University students are all smiles because the Semester is coming to a rapid close.   Elementary and High School students are counting down to the holiday season break.  There is something else we are looking forward to or not looking forward to – rough Winter weather.

Many Federal workers who work in independent agencies and installations often wonder who to tune into for open and close status of the Federal government.  The Office of Personnel Management (OPM

• Also Read: 3 Reasons Federal Employees Should Pay Close Attention to How Social Security Works With Their Pension
• Also Read: Four Ways Military Buyback Programs Are Transforming Federal Employee Retirements
• Also Read: If You Think TSP Withdrawals Are Easy, These Tricky New Rules Will Change Your Mind

) determines the status of openings and closings for all Federal government agencies including installations inside the Washington, DC metro area.  Although OPM is the official determinant of government openings and closings – military personnel and partner organizations should contact their supervisors and inquire within their chain of command.

Generally local news stations carry closings, you can also check the OPM website (www.opm.gov/status), or call (202) 606-1900 24 hours a day.  Many organizations and military installations also have a presence on social media concerning the Winter weather.

Harsh Winter weather also brings about many unexpected accidents so we need to be especially careful when shoveling snow as well as walking on ice and other slippery surfaces.  Don’t forget to equip your car for the Winter.  I have learned that the Winter car care family necessities should certainly include the cables for giving your car a jump.  Winter can be hard on cars, particularly those that are not garaged parked.  Include water and non-perishable foods, blankets, a fully charged battery for your cell phone, and one of those crank-type radios and a couple of flash lights and extra batteries.   A friend recently told me that disposable plastic bags should also be a part of the car care family winter necessities.  She explained that putting your feet and hands inside of plastic bags will make you quite toasty.  I haven’t had the need to try it and I hope I never will.  If you know some other things that might help to keep us safe in the hopefully unlikely event that we get trapped in our cars due to the attack of the WINTER weather, please share..

P. S.  Always Remember to Share What You Know.

Dianna Tafazoli