The Lynnwood Food Bank is committed to providing services while
protecting the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, and customers.
Because the majority of our operations occur outdoors and many of our
volunteers are older adults, weather conditions present increased risks of
heat-related illness, cold-related illness, slips, falls, and unsafe travel. In
addition, our facility does not have air conditioning or heated warehouse work
areas, limiting our ability to provide climate-controlled recovery spaces
during extreme temperatures.
The Lynnwood Food Bank generally follows the Edmonds School
District Inclement Weather Policy for closures due to snow and ice. However,
the Executive Director may modify or suspend operations whenever weather, road,
parking lot, or site conditions create an unsafe environment for volunteers,
staff, or customers.
New Policy Effective 7/22/2026
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Temperature/
Conditions
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Operations
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Below 32°F OR any untreated snow or ice creating unsafe road,
parking lot, sidewalk, or site conditions
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CLOSED. Operations are suspended due to
freezing temperatures and/or unsafe travel and site conditions. The Lynnwood
Food Bank generally follows the Edmonds School District Inclement Weather
Policy for closures related to snow and ice; however, the Executive Director
may close or modify operations based on conditions at the food bank, even if
the school district remains open.
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33°F – 39°F
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Cold Weather Accommodations. Volunteers
should wear insulated layers, hats, gloves, scarves, waterproof footwear, and
use hand warmers as needed. Warm beverages should be available, and
volunteers should take breaks from outdoor work whenever possible.
|
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40°F – 85°F
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Normal Operations. Maintain hydration and monitor weather
conditions throughout the day.
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85°F – 89°F
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Hot Weather Accommodations. Mandatory
breaks at least every 30 minutes. Reduce lifting whenever possible. Provide
extra drinking water and shade. Monitor volunteers for signs of heat-related
illness.
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90°F – 94°F
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Modified Distribution Hours (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.).
Continue all hot weather accommodations listed above. Reduce outdoor exposure
and modify duties whenever practical.
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95°F and Above
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CLOSED. Operations are suspended due to
the inability to safely conduct prolonged outdoor work without
climate-controlled recovery areas.
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Executive Director Authority
These guidelines establish the minimum operational standards for
weather-related safety. The Executive Director retains the authority to modify,
delay, shorten, or suspend operations at temperatures outside of these
guidelines whenever weather conditions, facility conditions, utility outages,
air quality, forecasted conditions, or other safety concerns present an
unreasonable risk to volunteers, staff, or customers.
During inclement weather, updates will be posted on our Facebook page:
www.Facebook.com/LynnwoodFoodBank
