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Bracing for Severe Weather in Washington, DC
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:
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
The MMS Emergency Coordinator and Safety Manager will continue to monitor the H1N1 flu issue and work with the Human Resources Division, IT, and other offices to provide future updates and guidance. Some examples of our efforts include:
Prevention and Control Measures for MMS Employees and
Their Families
Specific Information on the H1N1 Flu for Employees and Supervisors
General Information Links
National Emergency Links
Volcano Emergency Links - Alaska
Hurricane Emergency Links
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Texas Emergency
Links
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Louisiana Emergency
Management Links
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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. |