Some federal buildings closed after 5.9-magnitude earthquake, OPM grants excused absence, telework

UPDATED 9:55 a.m.: More than a dozen federal buildings in the Washington area, including the Interior Department’s headquarters on C Street, are closed today following the 5.9- magnitude earthquake that rocked the east coast Tuesday afternoon.

“Emergency employees are expected to report for work on time,” regardless of their building being closed, according to an update posted on the Office of Personnel Management’s website, which includes a list of all building closures as of 1:50 a.m. (A list of building closures is also included below).

Employees working at buildings that are open will have the option of unscheduled leave and unscheduled telework, OPM said.

Here are guidelines for non-emergency employees if your building is closed:

• Non-emergency employees (including employees on pre-approved paid leave) will be granted excused absence (administrative leave) for the number of hours they were scheduled to work, unless–
• The employee is required to telework by his or her agency’s official policy as reflected in his or her written telework agreement;
• The employee works or is on official travel outside of the Washington, DC area;
• The employee is on leave without pay (LWOP); or
• The employee is on an alternative work schedule (AWS) day off.

OPM has directed workers to check with their supervisors and on agency websites to see if their building has been opened and for further guidance.

Building closures: