News Release

OPM Releases Emergency Guides for Federal Employees, Managers

Washington, D.C. - The Office of Personnel Management has released two new emergency guides that provide guidance to Federal employees and managers on general steps they can take to protect themselves from a potential biological, chemical, or radiological event and to spell out the responsibilities of the Federal Government and individual agencies to protect employees. OPM Director Kay Coles James stated, “These guides reflect the hard work of 23 subject-matter experts representing 18 departments and agencies across the Government to consolidate preparedness information that is applicable Governmentwide to the unique Federal work environment. I am confident they will be a valuable preparedness resource for Federal agencies as they seek to inform employees and managers on general steps that they can take to protect themselves and their teammates.”

Because each Federal facility has unique factors which affect the security measures that should be taken to protect employees, the Federal Manager’s/Decision Maker’s Guide, provides guidance on measures many agencies have already put into place. General information is provided on practical steps that can be taken to mitigate the harm in the event of an emergency, and provides a list of actions employees and managers can take prior, during and after an attack.

The Federal Employee’s Emergency Guide provides general information on biological, chemical and radiological risks and what can be done to prepare for an emergency event involving these substances.

James stated, “One of the main reasons Federal employees are feeling uneasy right now is because of a lack of education on the nature of risks that exist and the preparation that has already taken place to protect the workforce. The employee’s guide provides information about the biological, chemical and radiological threats that exist and what employees can do to protect themselves. In addition, it provides employees with questions to ask supervisors on how they can assist in the event of an emergency.” Employees are made aware that agencies may have already taken protective measures which will not be openly discussed for security reasons.

Both guides can be found at the web address, www.opm.gov/emergency.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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