Inclement Weather Policy Information

Overview

The services we provide are inherently dangerous when performed in ideal conditions. Inclement weather, especially wet weather, greatly compounds the risk to our employees.

It is the policy of Patriot Chimney to remain open during most periods of inclement weather; however, where extraordinary circumstances warrant, due to weather or other unforeseen business interruption, we reserve the right to close our business.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Excessive Heat
• Freezing Temperatures
• Low Visibility
• Strong Winds
• Wet Weather

The roof of your home in the summer averages 50-60 degrees warmer than the ambient outside temperature. This is hot enough to blister an employee’s hands.

Rain and gusty winds are common all year. Climbing ladders and walking rooftops while wet is incredibly dangerous. High winds can cause ladders to fall over unexpectedly or cause workers to lose their footing on steep rooftops.

Unfortunately, we live in a temperate climate that averages 115 days per year of precipitation. This can make keeping appointments challenging.

We make every effort to account for weather delays and use every resource at our disposal to forecast inclement weather. Please understand that if we are forced to cancel your appointment due to weather, we understand that it is inconvenient for you. Missing a full day of appointments not only inconveniences you as the customer but also affects the bottom line of us as a company as well as our employees, who are all paid hourly.

Our Obligation to Our Employees

As a company, we have an obligation and duty of care – legally, morally, and ethically – to keep our employees safe while working on our behalf. It has always been our policy to take an employee-first approach to business. And in the case of inclement weather, we will always consider worker safety first.

How We’ll Communicate

Thankfully, there should be plenty of notice for inclement weather due to advanced weather technology. As mentioned above, we’ll always keep an eye out to prepare our best and provide advanced notice for some of the most common natural disasters and emergencies, such as:

• Approaching severe weather like hurricanes or wildfires
• Extreme temperatures
• Heavy snowfall in a short period
• Power outages or other essential facility issues
• Flooding affecting roads, transportation, or facilities
• Declaration of a state of emergency in which residents are advised to stay home

Patriot Chimney will use discretion in deciding operating schedules for our services during inclement weather. We do not follow the decision of the county government.

In the event that we decide to close for the day or delay opening or early closure, our office will make every effort to let you know about any changes to your appointment.

Unplanned Closures

Patriot Chimney recognizes that there may be unscheduled days during the year that we’ll need to close unexpectedly. This could be for the reason that weather is a lot worse than forecasted and we realize that opening will have a direct effect on our worker’s safety.

In this case, we will do everything possible to notify you of appointment changes.

Office Should Remain Open

Most of our office staff members work from home and, therefore, our office should still remain open to answer calls, emails, etc. 

This, of course, assumes that their home power and internet does not see any disruption.