Weather during winter storm season

Published Dec. 14, 2007
By Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Historically, Oklahoma weather is unpredictable and severe winter conditions are not uncommon. Tinker officials monitor weather conditions throughout the winter storm season and will announce any changes to the base operating status as needed.
   If severe weather does occur, Tinker personnel should first check the Tinker Web site at www.tinker.af.mil, or call the Straight Talk Line at 734-1900. Under no circumstance should they call the Tinker Command Post, security forces, base weather or base operations as these agencies must maintain open lines of communication for emergency services.
   Tinker personnel are also encouraged to listen to or watch several local radio and televisions stations. The television stations include KOKH Channel 25, KFOR Channel 4, KOCO Channel 5, KWTV Channel 9, OETA Channel 13 or the Commander's Access Channel 20. The AM radio station is KTOK 1000 and FM radio stations are KKNG 93.3, KXY 96.1, KATT 100.5 or KMGL 104.1.
   It is important to remember that decisions concerning base operating status are normally made by the installation commander very early each duty day. Tinker Public Affairs then strives to post changes to the operating status no later than 5 a.m. Therefore, individuals should not presume that the information reported on television and radio stations during the previous day are still accurate for the following morning. Tinker employees should check the previously listed sources each day or contact their immediate supervisors for information.
   When severe weather occurs, Tinker officials might post one of four messages. They are:
   -- "Operating status at Tinker is OPEN," which means base functions will occur as normal;
   -- "Operating status at Tinker is LATE REPORTING authorized," which means Tinker functions will occur as scheduled, but employees who are non-weather emergency essential personnel may arrive up to two hours late without being penalized with loss of pay or charge to leave. Employees are expected to leave for work the same time as they normally do. Delayed reporting allows supervisors to accommodate legitimate delays caused by driving conditions.
   -- "Operating status at Tinker is EARLY DISMISSAL/RELEASE" means the installation commander has determined personnel may be dismissed early on a staggered basis due to extreme weather conditions.
   -- "Operating status at Tinker is CLOSED (Administrative Leave)" means personnel not deemed "weather emergency essential personnel" are excused from duty without loss of pay or charge to leave.
   Safety is the major concern for all Tinker employees, it is ultimately the responsibility of all Tinker employees to evaluate the weather conditions where they live and how they travel to and from work. If you have evaluated your area and you deem it impossible to travel contact your supervisor for instructions. During severe weather, personnel may be approved for liberal leave as needed, but your supervisor must be notified.