Emergency Information
Red Cross closes Southern Arizona shelters
The American Red Cross has closed all SOUTHERN Arizona shelters. There are still open Red Cross shelters at PAYSON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM, 301 South McClane, in Payson and PINE FIRE STATION #41, 6198 W. Hardscrabble Mesa Rd in Pine.
Cochise County does have warming centers (non-Red Cross) open at St. Andrew’s Church in Sierra Vista and at the Douglas Fire Station.
We will continue to assess community's needs, as we work closely with our emergency Management partners. Communities can continue to check our social media accounts and http://redcross.org/shelters for any shelter updates.
Have fun in the snow – away from state highway shoulders
While there’s plenty of snow in the high country thanks to this week’s powerful storm, drivers should resist the temptation to park along state highways to play in it, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Arizona Department of Transportation.
Highway shoulders are for emergencies only. By law, you must exit highways and park in designated areas beyond the highway right of way before building that snowman.
The reasons come down to safety: Other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle; other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem; your vehicle may interfere with first responders who need to use the shoulder; ADOT snowplows hurl snow and ice far off highways; and it’s far safer for you and other drivers if you re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances.
Then there’s the obvious danger of parking and playing near fast-moving traffic that's using what could be a still-icy road.
AZDPS troopers and other law enforcement officers can cite motorists for parking on a controlled-access highway in violation of state laws. Violators can face expensive fines.
Safety in the high country extends beyond where you park to how you get ready for the trip.
Leave prepared for the possibility you’ll be delayed by slowing and even closures caused by heavy traffic, weather and crashes by packing an emergency kit that includes, at a minimum, blankets, extra food and water, necessary medications and sand or cat litter for traction. Also have a fully charged cellphone and make sure your gas tank at least half to three-quarters full at all times.
Dress for winter weather, including a heavy coat, gloves, a scarf and a cap.
ADOT has more safety tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
Those heading to popular snow-play sites should prepare for heavy traffic and may want to consider making an earlier start home, as traffic back tends to build as the day goes on.
In addition to not parking along highway shoulders to play in the snow, those who head to US 180 northwest of Flagstaff should be prepared for heavy traffic toward Flagstaff at day’s end. While it won’t save time back to Flagstaff, drivers heading south can reach Interstate 17 faster by following a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Road and Route 66, and then heading west to I-17.
Information on designated snow-play areas around Flagstaff is available at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Recreation link) or by calling 1.844.256.SNOW.
For the latest highway conditions around the state, visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or call 511. ADOT’s accounts on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook (facebook.com/AZDOT) are sources of information and interaction.
Red Cross shelter in Pine relocates
The Red Cross Shelter, at the PINE Community Center, has been RELOCATED to the PINE FIRE STATION #41, 6198 W. Hardscrabble Mesa Rd.
The shelters in Kingman & Payson, are still open and accepting guests:
PAYSON HIGH SCHOOL Gymnasium, 301 South McClane, in Payson (AZ).
KINGMAN COMMUNITY CENTER, 3345 Harrison Street in Kingman (AZ).
We will continue working to assess the community's needs, as we work closely with our Emergency Management partners. Communities can continue to check our social media accounts and /or http://redcross.org/shelters, for any shelter updates.
Update: Powerful winter storm hampers travel across much of Arizona
Multiple stretches of Arizona’s highways were closed as of Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 21, due to a powerful winter storm whose fury continues across much of the state.
With the heavy weather expected to last into Friday and snow forecast to extend into southeastern Arizona overnight, the safest option remains delaying travel to and through higher elevations until the Arizona Department of Transportation’s plows have cleared highways of snow and ice. Motorists in lower elevations may see some snow along with considerable rainfall.
Wherever they travel in whatever weather they face, motorists should slow down for safety and expect the unexpected. Those traveling in areas with snow and ice should give ADOT’s plows plenty of room to work, staying at least four vehicle lengths behind and never passing a working plow until the operator pulls over to let traffic pass.
As of 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, these were the major highway restrictions around Arizona. Because the situation remains dynamic, the best way to keep track of highway closures, restrictions and conditions is following ADOT’s Twitter account at (@ArizonaDOT), calling 511, using the free ADOT Alerts app available at ADOTAlerts.com and visiting the Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. A pop-up alert on ADOT’s homepage, azdot.gov, has an updated list of major closures:
- I-17 northbound at State Route 179, milepost 298
- I-40 eastbound at State Route 95, with traffic detouring south on SR 95
- Both directions of State Route 87 between State Route 188 and Payson, mileposts 238-250, and between Payson and Winslow, mileposts 254-337
- Both directions State Route 260 between Star Valley and Heber-Overgaard, mileposts 256-302, and eastbound State Route 260 east of milepost 228 near Interstate 17
- Both directions of SR 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff, mileposts 375-398
If decide to travel, slow down for safety, budget plenty of time and leave prepared for the possibility that you will be delayed by closures related to weather and crashes. Four-wheel-drive vehicles and chains are recommended in areas with heavy snow.
ADOT has winter-driving tips available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
Red Cross opens shelter at Payson High School gymnasium
At the request of emergency management, The American Red Cross has now opened a third shelter, at the Payson High School gymnasium, 301 South McClane, in Payson.
There are already 10 residents who are taking shelter there.
The shelter at the Kingman Community Center, 3345 Harrison Street in Kingman, is also open.
In addition, a shelter has been opened to serve the Strawberry/Pine communities at the Pine Community Center, 3886 North Highway 87, in Pine.
Red Cross shelters are open to anyone needing a safe place to stay.
We will continue to assess the community's needs, as we work closely with our emergency management partners.
Communities can continue to check our social media accounts and http://redcross.org/shelters for any shelter updates.
Red Cross opens additional shelter due to intense winter storms
The American Red Cross has opened new shelters to serve the Strawberry/Pine communities at the Pine Community Center, 3886 North Highway 87, in Pine, Arizona.
Red Cross has also opened one shelter in Kingman at the Kingman Community Center, 3345 Harrison Street in Kingman, Arizona.
There are currently no open shelters in Payson.
We continue to assess the community's needs, as we also work closely with our emergency management partners.
Communities can check our social media accounts and http://redcross.org/shelters for any shelter updates.
Powerful winter storm hampers travel across much of Arizona
With snow continuing to fall, putting off travel is the safest option
Multiple stretches of Arizona’s highways remained closed Thursday afternoon, Feb. 21, due to a powerful winter storm whose fury continues across much of the state.
With the heavy weather expected to last into Friday, the safest option at present is for drivers to delay travel to and through higher elevations until the Arizona Department of Transportation’s plows have cleared highways of snow and ice. Motorists in lower elevations may see some snow along with considerable rainfall.
Wherever they travel and in whatever weather they face, motorists should slow down for safety and expect the unexpected. Those traveling in areas with snow and ice should give ADOT’s plows plenty of room to work, staying at least four vehicle lengths behind and never passing a working plow until the operator pulls over to let traffic pass.
At 1:15 p.m., these were the major highway restrictions around Arizona. Because the situation remains dynamic, the best way to keep track of highway closures, restrictions and conditions is following ADOT’s Twitter account at (@ArizonaDOT), calling 511, using the free ADOT Alerts app available at ADOTAlerts.com and visiting the Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. A pop-up alert on ADOT's homepage, azdot.gov, also has an updated list of closures:
- I-40 eastbound was closed at SR 95 in northwestern Arizona, with traffic detoured south on State Route 95.
- State Route 89A just outside of Flagstaff was closed between mileposts 387-398.
- State Route 260 was closed in both directions between Star Valley and Heber-Overgaard. SR 260 eastbound was closed at milepost 228 east of I-17.
- State Route 87 southbound was closed just south of Payson at milepost 250.
- State Route 87 was closed from Payson to Winslow, mileposts 254-337.
If decide to travel in the high country, slow down for safety, budget plenty of time and leave prepared for the possibility that you will be delayed by closures related to weather and crashes. Four-wheel-drive vehicles and chains are recommended in some areas due to heavy snow.
ADOT has winter-driving tips available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
Backcountry Winter Recreation Hazards
Red Cross Opens Kingman Shelter in response to winter storm
From record snow to the north, to intense rains to the south, Arizona is experiencing its most intense winter storm of the season.
Due to heavy snow closing I-40, at Stockton Hill near Kingman (AZ), your Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Kingman Community Center, 3345 Harrison Street in Kingman.
The shelter, which opened at 06:00, in conjunction with local authorities, is offering a warm place to get out of the cold, blankets, cots, snacks and compassionate and caring volunteers.
Red Cross Emergency personnel, are continuing to monitor severe conditions , have materials and supplies positioned in strategic locations across the region and volunteers on stand-by, ready to assist at a moment's notice.
Contact:
Dave Knoer
Public Information Officer, American Red Cross Greater Phoenix Chapter
602 486-2006
[email protected]
Severe Weather Tips from the American Red Cross
With the possibility of more snow and frigid temperatures on the way later this week, the Red Cross has some tips for getting prepared for when severe weather hits.
HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY
It’s the time of year when many people resort to space heaters and other sources to keep their homes warm. Home heating is the second leading cause of fires in this country. To reduce the risk of heating related fires, the Red Cross recommends these steps (More home fire safety information available here):
All heaters need space. Keep children, pets, and anything that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least three feet away from heating equipment.
If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard, and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets - never into an extension cord.
Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.
Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
STAY SAFE DURING WINTER WEATHER
Bundle up! Wear layers of clothing, including a hat, gloves, and waterproof, insulated boots.
Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with disabilities, and children.
Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water. Check out our Pet Disaster Preparedness tips.
WINTER TRAVEL SAFETY
Stay off the road if possible during severe weather. If you must drive in winter weather, follow these tips:
Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road.
Don’t follow other vehicles too closely; sudden stops are more difficult on snowy roadways.
Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.
Carry an emergency kit in your car containing a first aid kit, duct tape, emergency blanket, flashlight, food, and extra batteries.
Be especially careful driving over ramps, bridges, and overpasses since they freeze before roadways.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
With a major storm coming, highway conditions can change rapidly
With heavy rain and snow forecast across Arizona from Wednesday night through Thursday, drivers should slow down for safety and consider putting off travel as conditions can change quickly, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Because sections of highway in northern Arizona can close due to crashes and heavy snow during extreme winter storms, the safest option is always to wait out the storm before driving. It’s also the most-efficient decision, as a highway takes much longer to plow when it’s jammed with vehicles that shouldn’t be traveling on a roadway that’s slick with snow and ice.
Before deciding whether and when to travel, check weather reports and get the latest highway conditions by visiting ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, calling 511 or reviewing ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT). When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.
ADOT crews are ready to plow snow and ice on highways, but it can still be hazardous to drive in a storm where visibility and road surface conditions can change quickly. Drivers can help out plow operators by never passing a snowplow that’s clearing a highway until the driver pulls over to let traffic pass.
If delaying travel isn’t possible, leave prepared for the possibility that you’ll spend extended time in winter conditions. Pack an emergency kit with items like extra blankets, warm clothes, food and water, cat litter or sand for traction, a first-aid kit and a fully charged cellphone.
Make sure to slow down and drive for the conditions you’re in. Be sure to leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
For more winter-driving tips, visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
Heading to the high country? Be ready for winter weather
With a long weekend at hand and snow in the forecast, those heading to Arizona’s high country should leave prepared for extended time in winter weather and for the possibility of delays around popular snow-play areas such as US 180 northwest of Flagstaff.
Be sure to review the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Know Snow tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow, which include dressing for frigid temperatures, packing an emergency kit that includes blankets, snacks and extra water, and putting off travel when snow is falling so ADOT’s plows can clear highways. Review the weather forecast and get the latest highway conditions by visiting ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or calling 511.
Make sure your gas tank is at least half to three-quarters full at all times, and ensure that your wipers, window defroster, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work. Having a fully charged cellphone is a must.
If your goals include searching for a place to play in the snow, please don't park along highways to do so. Highway shoulders are for emergencies, and parking there to throw snowballs, sled, etc., can endanger you, your passengers and other drivers while potentially interfering with emergency vehicles and snowplows.
Locations of designated snow-play areas around Flagstaff are available at flagstaffarizona.org (click the Winter Recreation link) or by calling 1.844.256.SNOW.
Wherever you travel in the high country, be prepared for the possibility of delays caused by crashes or heavy traffic. Those using US 180 northwest of Flagstaff, for example, may need 90 minutes or more to get back to Flagstaff at day’s end due to snow-play traffic. While it won’t help avoid US 180 backups into Flagstaff, those heading south at day’s end can reach Interstate 17 faster by following signs to the Interstate 40 interchange at Butler Avenue and then heading west to I-17.
Pile Burning Near Shiner Timber Sale Thursday and Friday This Week
With steady precipitation in the immediate forecast over the next several days, fire crews will take advantage of favorable weather conditions and will burn machine piles around the Shiner Timber Sale area approximately 5 miles south of Williams.
These piles consist of left over slash from logging operations and are spread out over an area of about 1000 acres. The Shiner project is located just southwest of Dogtown Lake along the east side of county road 73. Fire Managers are hopeful that conditions will be remain suitable to remove these fuels over the next few days.
These pile burns are just a couple of many ongoing forest restoration projects happening that are critical to improving forest health and increasing vital protection of forest resources and community values.
As with all prescribed burns, weather conditions will determine the day’s most suitable for ignitions that have the least amount of negative effects on air quality and the best possible ventilation.
During ignition operations, smoke will be visible from areas surrounding these units but is expected to be light in volume and short in duration.
The public can view approved prescribed fires for any given day on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov/.
To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
Notifications of upcoming prescribed fire projects are provided regularly throughout the year. Additional information can also be obtained through the following sources:
· Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
· Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
· InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/
Tonto National Forest burning piles near Vista Verde
Fire specialists from the Tonto National Forest plan to burn approximately 75 acres of piles on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 12, and February 13, 2019. The piles are located on national forest near the Vista Verde subdivision from 136th Street to 170th Street, north of Rio Verde/Dynamite Drive.
Residents and visitors in the area should expect to see and smell light-to-moderate amounts of smoke and flames during burning operation. Forest officials urge motorists to use caution and slow down while driving through these areas for the safety of firefighters and the public.
The purpose of this fuels reduction work is to remove left over slash from thinning operations during a time when conditions are favorable. This thinning effort is intended to lower the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property and natural resources in the Wildland Urban Interface area that surrounds the communities.
Please check InciWeb for updates and maps: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5925/
Contact: Carrie Templin, (602) 225-5290
Twitter: @TontoForest
Wood pile burning on Mt. Lemmon to remove excess vegetation and reduce wildfire threat
Fire crews will begin burning wood piles from forest thinning on Mt. Lemmon February 11 through 15, weather permitting.
Burning will occur along the Catalina Highway, and in Marshall Gulch, Sabino Work Center, Summerhaven and Whitetail Campground. Approximately 100 acres will be burned.
“This project is intended to reduce hazardous fuels adjacent to local communities,” said Santa Catalina District Ranger Charles Woodard. “It’s part of an ongoing fuels reduction project to reduce the threat of wildfire.”
Smoke may be seen from Catalina, Oracle, Summerhaven and Tucson.
No closures are anticipated. Motorists and recreationists are advised to use caution in the area, firefighters and fire engines will be present on and near roads, trails and recreation areas.
Contact: (520) 388-8343
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoronadoNF
Twitter: @Coronado_NF
Know before you go: winter weather can bring unexpected conditions
Wintry conditions can bring unexpected surprises and potentially hazardous situations for unprepared visitors to Coronado National Forest.
It’s easy to plan for outings into snowy country, researching forecast weather and conditions on the ground, ensuring your vehicle is appropriate for road conditions, packing warm clothing and gear for your activities, and letting someone know of your plans.
Across the Forest, rainy weather has caused stream levels to rise, catching recreationists off guard and leaving hikers in some areas stranded.
“It’s important for people to know that much of our soil is saturated from recent moisture,” said Coronado National Forest Safety Officer Leo Holley. “Water flows downhill, and when rain falls and can’t sink into the ground, runoff into canyons and stream channels can cause water levels to rise and become impassable.”
It doesn’t need to be raining in a particular area for water levels to rise. Streams may fill quickly from runoff generated by storms occurring miles away.
Hikers are advised to “Know Before You Go” and check weather forecasts before venturing out. The National Weather Service website for this area is https://www.weather.gov/twc/ , forecasts may be searched by location.
Canyons and low-lying areas should be avoided during stormy weather. Storms occurring uphill from trails and wading sites may fill streams and washes in a matter of minutes.
Lakeside Ranger District plans pile burning in Billy Timber Sale area
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest’s Lakeside Ranger District will be burning slash piles February 5 through 8, if weather conditions allow. The piles are located within the Billy Timber Sale area just North of Pinetop Country Club along Forest Service Road 182, and are scattered across roughly 165 acres of forest land. Possible smoke impacts are anticipated along Highway 260 and within the Pinetop- Lakeside Community and Sky Hi Retreat. In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the pile burn as smoke may reduce visibility in the area. Fire crews will be on scene from the start of ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries. Prescribed fire operations are subject to cancelation due to unfavorable weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstance.
Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large scale wildfire impacts to private lands.
Air quality considerations are an integral part of prescribed fire, and it is the goal of forest managers to minimize smoke impacts to our communities while still accomplishing forest health and fuels reduction goals. Arizona residents can view air quality across the state using the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Portable Particulate Monitors.
For questions or concerns please contact the Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100, or call the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System at (928) 333-3412. Check outour website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
Twitter: https://twitter.com/A_SNFs
Pile burns planned next week near Flagstaff
Fire managers will be conducting slash pile burns near Flagstaff and on Lake Mary Road starting Monday.
Several large slash pile burns near the base of Mount Elden, and two small pile burns near the Mormon Lake and Mormon Guard workstations are planned for Monday and Tuesday. Smoke will be evident on the east side of Flagstaff on U.S. Highway 89, west Flagstaff near U.S. Route 66, Lake Mary Road and Interstate 40. Smoke is expected to disperse toward the northeast and settle in low-lying areas during the evening hours near the burn sites. There are several piles to be burned in the future for the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project Dry Lake area encompassing the base of Mount Elden if conditions are suitable.
The public and media can get notifications of the ignition of prescribed burning or any other activity happening on the Coconino National Forest by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF.
Coconino National Forest works closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to monitor smoke impacts. Individuals sensitive to smoke can learn how to protect their health by visiting the Coconino County Public Health Service District website at http://bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
Pile Burning on Williams Ranger District Recommencing
Fuels reduction efforts on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest will begin on Friday (2/1) of this week and continue into next week as weather conditions permit. Machine piles on two separate timber sale units on the district have been evaluated and are suitable for ignition at this time.
383 acres of piles in the Wright Timber Sale area located north of Parks on the south side of Government Hill will be ignited Friday, and an additional 200 acres will begin on Monday of next week on the Shiner Timber Sale project located just southwest of Dogtown Lake along forest road 140.
Fuels specialists will continue to assess conditions in the weeks ahead and plan to continue implementing prescribed fire activities as opportunities arise.
Crews will use tactics to minimize smoke production and reduce the potential for impacts to the surrounding roadways and adjacent communities.
During ignition operations, smoke will be visible from areas surrounding these units but is expected to be light in volume and short in duration.
These pile burns are just a couple of many ongoing forest restoration projects happening that are critical to improving forest health and increasing vital protection of forest resources and community values.
As with all prescribed burns, weather conditions will determine the day’s most suitable for ignitions that have the least amount of negative effects on air quality and the best possible ventilation.
The public can view approved prescribed fires for any given day on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov/.
To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
Notifications of upcoming prescribed fire projects are provided regularly throughout the year. Additional information can also be obtained through the following sources:
· Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
· Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
· InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/
Pile burning to be conducted on Safford Ranger District
The Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest plans to conduct wood pile burning activities on Mt. Graham in the Pinaleño Mountains over the next several weeks. Burning will be dependent upon weather conditions.
The project is intended to reduce excessive vegetation or “fuel” in and adjacent to the summer home area of Turkey Flat to create defensible space and restore a more fire resilient forest within the area.
Wood piles in the Noon Creek administrative site and Snow Flat areas may also be burned.
Minimal smoke impacts, if any, are expected from the burning. Highway closures are not anticipated at this time. Motorists are encouraged to use caution while driving in the area due to increased traffic and personnel working on the project.
Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil, and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large-scale wildfire impacts to private and public lands.
Fire crews will be present to take action as needed throughout the project.
For further information please contact the Safford Ranger District Office weekdays at (928) 428-4150 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is closed weekends and federal holidays.
