Hurricane Matthew Impacting Federal Offices

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10-7-2016-8-20-00-amAs Hurricane Matthew threatens Florida and moves up the coast, NTEU’s thoughts are with the thousands of NTEU members who will feel its effects. Many government offices in the hurricane’s path have closed or are closing and employees are being sent home. Unfortunately, the hurricane’s powerful winds and flooding could cause widespread power outages and damage NTEU members’ homes. NTEU is in close contact with our chapters in the affected areas and stands ready to deal with any workplace issues employees may encounter as a result of the storm, including administrative leave for office closures. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees may be needed more quickly as airports and seaports prepare to reopen. In some instances, CBP will be provide temporary living quarters and living allowances for employees suffering damage and to help cover for those unable to get to work. CBP Officers may need to augment local law enforcement in affected areas, as they did after Hurricane Katrina. IRS call sites will likely be called upon to assist FEMA with disaster relief services. ap_hurricane_matthew_florida_01_mt_161006_17x12_1600

Assistance is Available For employees who need some financial assistance to get through storm cleanup or to pay for temporary living expenses NTEU encourages them to contact the Federal Employee Education and Assistance (FEEA) Fund. NTEU works closely with FEEA following major disasters to ensure that any federal employees who need help can receive it. Disaster assistance applications are available on FEEA’s website or call 800-323-4140.

You Can Help FEEA accepts donations from federal employees. Those donations will help out other federal employees in need. Every donation—big and small—makes a difference. Donate here. You can donate to FEEA through the Combined Federal Campaign as well. FEEA’s CFC number is 11185. NTEU will provide updates as information is available. It encourages all federal hurricane-matthew-floridaemployees and other area residents to heed local warnings and stay safe as the hurricane moves through your areas.