NEWS RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - Employees at the Washington headquarters of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management are receiving pamphlets and wallet-sized cards that contain instructions on "what to do" and "where to go" should an event cause dismissal or evacuation of the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building (TRB).

"I want to make it very clear to employees that their safety in and around the workplace is a top priority," said OPM Director Kay Coles James. "With the on-going threats to our nation, it is extremely important that the men and women who serve America through their work at OPM be given information on how to respond to an event that could save their lives and the lives of others."

The TRB Emergency Response wallet-sized card contains the level of emergency ("dismissal," "remain in building," "building closure," and "evacuation,") with instructions for employees on what to do under each scenario. This information is replicated on posters throughout the agency's halls and offices.

The TRB Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP) pamphlet includes information on the OPM's Emergency Operations Center, Emergency Response Team, and Escorts for employees with disabilities. The pamphlet also provides employees with primary and alternate phone numbers to call should they observe a theft, suspicious person or package, hostage situation or other emergency.

Should an event cause the short- or long-term evacuation of TRB, management has developed plans to ensure essential functions continue from other OPM sites outside Washington.