Severe Weather Protocol

Purpose

Establish clear guidelines for Spartan Plumbing operations before, during, and after severe weather events including snow, ice, heavy rain, tornadoes, and extreme heat.

When to Use

• Severe weather watches or warnings issued for the Dayton, Ohio area
• Snow or ice storms that affect driving conditions
• Tornado watches or warnings
• Extreme heat (heat index above 100 degrees F)
• Flooding that affects job sites or travel routes

Procedure

Inclement Weather — Snow, Ice, and Storms

Monitor weather conditions before and during your shift

Driving conditions are your call — if roads are unsafe, you have the authority to stop and wait

If a major snow, ice, or storm event occurs, contact dispatch to discuss whether to continue, pause, or return to the shop

Allow extra travel time between jobs and reduce speed

Dig yourself out as needed to make it into work — but safety is the priority over punctuality

The office will communicate closures or schedule changes via Slack

Tornado Watch or Warning

Watch (conditions favorable): Stay alert, keep phone volume on, monitor Slack

Warning (tornado spotted/detected): If at a job site, move to the lowest level interior room away from windows. If in your truck, find a sturdy building or lie flat in a low-lying area. Do NOT shelter under overpasses

After the warning passes, check in on Slack and await dispatch instructions

Do not enter any damaged buildings until they are cleared

Extreme Heat

Hydrate before, during, and after outdoor work — do not wait until you are thirsty

Take breaks in shade or air conditioning every 30-45 minutes during extreme heat

Watch for heat illness signs: dizziness, confusion, nausea, rapid heartbeat

If you or a coworker show heat stroke symptoms (confusion, vomiting, loss of consciousness), call 911

Keep extra water in your truck — at least 1 gallon per day in summer

Customer Communication During Severe Weather

If you need to delay or reschedule due to weather, contact dispatch — they will communicate with the customer

Do not make promises about rescheduled times during active weather events

Emergency calls (active leaks, no water, gas leaks) may still be dispatched — use your judgment on safety

State of Emergency

• If authorities declare a state of emergency, follow company communications on Slack
• Non-emergency work will be suspended during state of emergency declarations
• Emergency service calls may still be dispatched on a volunteer basis

Important Notes

• Your safety is more important than any appointment — never risk your life for a job
• You will not be penalized for stopping work due to unsafe conditions
• Keep your truck stocked with: blankets, flashlight, extra water, phone charger, ice scraper, small shovel

Related SOPs

• Winter Driving & Inclement Weather — driving-specific procedures
• Daily Vehicle Inspection Checklist — includes emergency supply check
• Emergency Contact List & Reporting Chain — who to notify