Snowstorms

Snowstorms usually result in many customer calls to the registry inquiring if we intend to close early. Although that hardly ever happens, it’s always wise to call ahead to check. For future reference, here’s a general statement of our policy: if security closes this courthouse because of inclement weather, the registry also closes since the public would be unable to get into the building. Other than that, we typically stay open during our normal hours of operation, regardless of the weather. (When the road conditions deteriorate during the day, we sometimes send part of the staff home early, but we always keep our essential operations open). Every five years or so, we’ve had a major storm during the overnight hours. Such a storm usually results in television reports that the governor has “declared a state of emergency” and that only “essential state personnel” should report to work. As ominous as that sounds, it doesn’t really apply to the registry of deeds. We work for the Secretary of State, so it’s up to him to decide weather-related closures. Besides, the Secretary considers registry employees essential, so we’d have to come to work anyway. If the TV announces that “all state buildings are closed” there’s a good chance that we will be closed, too. It never hurts to call ahead.