Content:
    Staci King

 Pagemasters:
    OEMM Web Team

The MMS released its DC Area employees early on Friday, February 5th to allow time to prepare for the snow storm forecasted over the weekend. Record snow falls and low temperatures created travel hazards across the commuting area. The Atrium and Main Interior Buildings remain closed through Tuesday (Feb 9).

Another 10" or more of snow is expected to blanket the region Tuesday night, which may extend delays and closures. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has authority over Federal Agency operations in the DC Area and posts its closure notices at this website: http://www.opm.gov/status. We continue to monitor OPM's reports and will update the local emergency hotlines as needed. To hear a recorded message about building operating status, call 703-787-1999 (Atrium employees) or 202-208-6606, Option 3 (MIB employees).

MMS employees are encouraged to follow local news and weather forecasts, prepare for cold weather and possible power outages, use caution when shoveling snow, and only drive if necessary. Here are a few links to help you stay informed:

	WTOP - Snow Emergency Guide
	Office of Personnel Management
	National Weather Service
	Utility Phone Numbers: Pepco: 1- 877-737-2662 Dominion Virginia Power: 1- 888-667-3000 Allegheny Power: 1-800-255-3443 NOVEC - Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative: 1-888-335-0500 Baltimore Gas & Electric: 1-877-778-2222 SMECO - Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative: 1-877-74-SMECO Rappahannock Electric Cooperative: 1-800-552-3904

MMS Promotes Employee Awareness and Prevention of 2009 Flu

Current Situation

The outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus continues to spread in the United States and worldwide. Given that the countries are no longer required to test and report individual cases, the number of cases reported may actually underestimate the real number of cases. As temperate countries finish their winter season, pandemic H1N1 has been the main influenza virus in all of the regions in the Southern Hemisphere, other than South Africa. In the US, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 6,000 hospitalized cases and more than 400 deaths in all 50 states prior September 1st. CDC no longer keeps track of confirmed and probable case counts, but it is estimated that there were greater than 1 million actual cases between April and June.

In the northern hemisphere, the novel H1N1 influenza has continued to cause outbreaks and sporadic cases over the summer. Several cases have been suspected or confirmed amongst MMS employees. Fortunately, severity of the illness has been mild. Those that are at most risk for influenza associated complications are also at an increased risk for seasonal flu, including pregnant women, those with asthma, COPD, diabetes, chronic cardiovascular disease, and immuno-compromised persons. As we enter the fall flu season, preparedness efforts are continuing at the federal, state, and local levels.

MMS Efforts in Addressing the H1N1 Flu

	Participating in the Department of Interior Emergency Management Council
	Providing updates and briefings for MMS senior staff
	Participating in CDC briefings
	Posting H1N1 information to MMS websites for employees and supervisors
	Assisting field offices in: Developing and/or implementing pandemic influenza preparedness/response measures Interpreting CDC guidance documents as applicable to MMS employees and work settings
	Disseminating latest HR flexibilities information and guidance

Prevention and Control Measures for MMS Employees and Their Families

	Pay attention to local and state public health actions (may vary from community to community, depending on current cases)
	If you develop flu-like symptoms, you should stay home at least 24 hours after the fever is gone
	Contact your healthcare provider if: You are worried about your symptoms or they become severe You are at high-risk for complications from H1N1 (e.g., children <5 years, pregnant women, people aged 25-64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza)
	To prevent the spread of H1N1 flu: Avoid close contact with ill persons Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze Wash your hands often with soap and water and/or alcohol-based hand sanitizers Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
	To learn more, visit http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/about/index.html

Specific Information on the H1N1 Flu for Employees and Supervisors

	Secretary Salazar’s Memo to Employees
	Federal Benefits During an Emergency
	Federal Employee’s Emergency Guide
	Federal Supervisor’s Decision Chart for Pandemics
	MMS Supervisors' Q&As on H1N1

General Information Links

	World Health Organization - H1N1 Influenza website
	Health and Human Services - H1N1 Flu website
	DOI H1N1 Flu Website
	OI Pandemic Influenza Plan
	MMS Pandemic Influenza Plan – Links to MMS Intranet Site
	State Department Travel Information
	Office of Personnel Management – Pandemic website

National Emergency Links

	National Hurricane Center
	Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
	American Red Cross
	Department of the Interior's Emergency Web Page

Volcano Emergency Links - Alaska

	Alaska Volcano Observatory
	Ash Fall Preparedness
	Anchorage Office of Emergency Preparedness

Hurricane Emergency Links

	Texas Emergency Links   Brazoria County Harris County
	Louisiana Emergency Management Links   Louisiana's Emergency Resources Entergy Jefferson Parish St. Tammany Parish Plaquemines Parish St. Charles Parish Orleans Parish St. John the Baptist Parish

Bookmark this page...It will contain important information relating to emergency operations and return-to-duty instructions for MMS employees. Links to additional emergency-related services will also be located here as necessary.