In what is something of a holiday season tradition, the
Office of Personnel Management has issued a memo calling
attention to policy on weather-related closings of federal
buildings. The procedures apply in situations that prevent
significant numbers of employees from reporting for work
on time or which require agencies to close all or part of
their activities.
The policies mainly are used in weather emergencies, but
they also apply in other emergency situations including
natural disaster and terrorist attack. While the guidance
on its face applies only to the Washington, D.C. area,
similar policies are in effect elsewhere, enforced by
Federal Executive Boards.
The guidance provides information on designating
“emergency” or “mission-critical” employees, the
implications of delayed arrival, early dismissal or
other operating orders, and agencies’ responsibilities in
dismissal or closure situations.
The OPM memo is available here:
