Memo from FEMA administrator to employees re Tropical Storm Karen/employee resources

[Divernan]

Here's a portion of a FEMA memo which went out this afternoon.

MEMORANDUM FOR: All FEMA Employees

FROM: W. Craig Fugate /s/
Administrator

SUBJECT: Shutdown Update and Potential Staff Recall

It is now the third day of the government’s lapse of appropriations and I wanted to provide you with another update. First, we are closely monitoring newly developed Tropical Storm Karen in the Gulf of Mexico. Beginning shortly, we will be recalling some employees who were furloughed earlier this week to be able to prepare for a possible emergency response operation to protect life and property. All employees should continue to monitor the situation and report for duty if contacted. Furloughed employees who are not recalled must continue to refrain from working.

Let me say again that the work every FEMA employee undertakes, regardless of your status during this lapse of appropriations, is critical to our nation’s safety and resiliency. Please continue to use the links below to find the most up to date information and resources that are available to help during this time of uncertainty:
. . . . .
Thank you again for your dedication as we work through this situation together.

Among the "Employee Resources" he lists are some for all furloughed federal employees, which DUers may wish to share with furloughed federal employees:

• OPM is continuing to update guidance on shut-down furloughs on its website http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/#url=Shutdown-Furlough

• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available for employees to get counseling or advice as needed. Employees can call [phone] or [phone] (TTY) from anywhere in the United States to receive immediate assistance, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also obtain information and resources online at the Federal Occupational health website at http://www.foh.hhs.gov/services/eap/eap.asp

• For those that have contributed to the federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), you may be able to take advantage of a general purpose loan. Visit http://www.tsp.gov for more information on this program.