The EDGE

Cancellation & Weather

Here at The EDGE  will make every effort to ensure that your program takes place on the day and time you request.  However, should an unforeseen situation arise, you need to know your options.

Critical Communications

Mason Alert is George Mason University’s emergency notification system that is used to send emergency notifications and timely warnings to the university community via text, email, telephone call, and digital signage.  More information can be found at https://ready.gmu.edu/masonalert/ 

**Guests and Visitors account allows those without a @gmu.edu email address register your cell phone or email address to receive emergency notifications and timely warnings issued by George Mason University. You will receive the same alerts sent to Mason students and employees. Visitors to Mason may also choose to receive text message alerts by texting masonalert to 226787 to receive text messages about emergencies on campus and changes to campus operations.  

Adjusted Programs

Due to limited time and high demand, the EDGE will move programs indoors whenever possible in order to ensure programs continue without interruption.  Generally when weather conditions approach that meet any of the below criteria, EDGE staff will be proactive in moving activities indoors to reduce disruption & client exposure to adverse conditions. Please be advised the following conditions will result in adjustments to programming.

  • Air Quality Index is Orange = Activities may be modified with some indoor programming.
  • Air Quality Index Red or Purple = Activities move fully indoors. Aerial Elements are cancelled. The group will be notified which building on Sci Tech campus to arrive meet staff at.
  • Heat Advisory = Activities may be modified with some indoor programming as-needed to reduce risk of heat related illnesses. Aerial Element times may be adjusted to reduce exposure at hottest parts of the day.
  • Excessive Heat Watch or Warning = Activities move fully indoors. Aerial Elements are cancelled
  • Weather Service Watches (Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Lightning Watch, Winter Storm Watch, Tornado Watch) = Weather will be monitored by EDGE staff. If weather conditions impact visibility, communication, or travel across the Challenge Course, activities may move indoors.
  • Lightning Warning – this is an alert issued by Mason Alert when lightning is within 10mi of campus. All outdoor activities will be suspended when a warning is issued and immediate evacuation of the Challenge Course to a secure indoor location will occur. Activities will resume indoors once the entire group is accounted for. The program may be shortened to ensure a safe window for the group to travel home.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning – All outdoor activities will be suspended when a warning is issued and immediate evacuation of the Challenge Course to a secure indoor location will occur. Activities will resume indoors once the entire group is accounted for. The program may be shortened to ensure a safe window for the group to travel home.
  • Gale Force Wind Warning or sustained winds over 20mph or gusts over 37mph – Aerial Elements will be closed. Depending on observed course conditions, other challenge course activities may be moved into open field spaces, under canvas tents, or indoors.
  • Flooding – in the event of excessive flooding that has compromised travel through the EDGE Challenge Course, the course will be closed and programs moved indoors. Flooding is not likely to affect the Alpine Tower due to its location. If area flooding affects transportation to/from campus, the EDGE may cancel until access is restored.

Course Closure

  • University Closure – Any weather that results in Mason University, School System, or designated business closure will also result in a cancelled program.
  • Tornado Warning – All programming is halted. An immediate evacuation of the Challenge Course will occur and facilitators will guide groups to designated Severe Weather Shelter Areas until the warning is lifted. When the warning is lifted, Activities may resume indoors. Activities may return outdoors after the warning ends and an examination of the Course condition has been completed.
  • Winter Storm Warning and any accumulated ice on trails or course elements – the EDGE will cancel the program
  • Excessive Flooding – If area flooding affects transportation to/from the SciTech campus, the EDGE may cancel until access is restored.

WHEN THE EDGE CANCELS DUE TO WEATHER

  • A weather cancellation is decided by EDGE staff the morning of a scheduled program. EDGE staff should be in contact with group contact at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled program if closure or alterations are a likelihood.
  • Conditions for canceling are explained on the client contract.
  • If the EDGE cancels a program due to inclement weather, the original booking fee will be applied to the rescheduled date or a full refund may be issued.
  • If the EDGE remains open, our standard cancellation terms apply.

YOU NEED TO CANCEL

You have planned ahead and scheduled your program well in advance.  Yet, an unforeseen situation make it impossible for you to fulfill your commitment.  We will work with you to find a  suitable solution to your situation.

Time Frame Greater than 6 weeks away Less than 6 weeks, greater than one week 7 Days or Less
Options Reschedule with a New Date Reschedule with a New Date Reschedule with a New Date
Consequences Original booking fee is nonrefundable. Forfeit 50% of your total program costs Forfeit 100% of total costs. If rebooking occurs, a new booking fee is required.