OPM disaster guides offer advice for managers and employees

To help prepare the federal workforce for emergencies, the Office of Personnel Management has released two emergency preparedness guides for federal managers and employees.

In the event of an emergency, OPM Director Kay Coles James, in consultation with the heads of the General Services Administration and the Emergency Response and Preparedness Directorate in the Homeland Security Department, will decide whether to evacuate federal buildings. But the new emergency preparedness guides are intended as tools to help managers and employees develop a strategy for emergencies.

"Recent reports of terrorist intentions to lash out at Americans have, understandably, created uncertainty with our fellow teammates," James said in a letter accompanying the report. "We all recognize that federal office buildings are potential targets for those who would threaten our security. More than ever, employees are looking to their managers for assurance that all appropriate steps are being taken to offer the greatest security possible."

The two guides, one for employees and one for managers, outline agencies' responsibilities in emergencies, including how to take care of disabled employees in a crisis. They also recommend that employees become familiar with their agency's safety plan and encourage employees to volunteer to help during evacuations.

"Whether it is serving as a floor manager, stairwell monitor, or keeping track of fellow employees during a crisis, volunteers are critical to protecting fellow employees," the employee guide says. "You can take additional steps to learn CPR and first aid to assist others during emergencies. It takes courage-the people who fill these positions are heroes-in-waiting."

Employees are also advised to prepare a personal safety kit to keep at work. Suggested safety kit items include extra medicine, bottled water, emergency contact numbers, snack food and an extra pair of glasses.

To prepare for a biological attack, OPM recommended that employees keep shots up-to-date and practice good personal hygiene.

Managers are told to have the Federal Protective Service survey their building and make recommendations for security and safety procedures. The guide also advises managers to let employees know the steps agency officials have taken to ensure employees' safety.

"Your employees will have questions," the guide for managers says. "Be sure you are available to fully discuss their concerns about their safety or suggestions they may have to improve security."

Both guides offer contacts and Web sites for additional assistance and information.