Emergency Management and Resources

OPM Hurricane Guidance (opens in new tab, external link) provides information on federal HR benefits and flexibilities for federal employees, annuitants, survivors, and agencies affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Agency Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCOs) regularly communicate the impact of hurricanes on their agency websites. CHCOs and OPM address HR-related questions and hardships the federal community experiences as a result of natural disasters, and updates are posted to the OPM hurricane page and social channels as new HR information becomes available.

In the event of a major disaster or emergency as declared by the President that results in severe adverse effects for a substantial number of employees, OPM may establish an Emergency Leave Transfer Program (ELTP). Under this program, federal employees may donate annual leave to employees of the same or other agencies who are adversely affected, or have family members who are adversely affected, by the disaster or emergency.

OPM, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, works with agency headquarters to assess the need to establish an ELTP.

OPM's Handbook on Pay and Leave Benefits for Federal Employees Affected by Severe Weather Conditions or Other Emergency Situations (PDF, opens in new tab, external link) includes guidance on available pay and leave benefits, including evacuation payments.

For specific questions about pay or leave for your situation, email the DCMA Total Force Inbox.

As part of relief efforts, free, confidential, face-to-face counseling is available to hurricane victims. These services are available to DCMA civilian employees and their families through a nationwide network of counselors, usually within a 30-mile radius of the employee's location.

Types of counseling available include grief, loss of home and possessions, financial loss, children's reactions, new life planning, change of schools for children, marital issues, and improving relationships at home and at work.

For more information about counseling services, call 1-800-222-0364.