Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Linda M. Springer today ordered the activation of OPM's toll-free assistance hotline (1-800-307-8298) for current and retired Federal employees and annuitants who have been impacted by the California wildfires.

The toll-free number will be open seven days a week between the hours of 7 a.m. and

9 p.m., Pacific Time. Affected counties include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

"OPM stands ready to offer assistance to our employees and annuitants in the impacted counties any way we can," said Director Springer. "We will have information available regarding benefits, flexibilities, payroll, and other issues which may affect employees and their families."

Employees and annuitants in the affected counties are encouraged to call with any questions they may have on the delivery of benefits, health insurance, pay and leave issues, teleworking, and disaster assistance. OPM is sending a representative immediately to assist the efforts of the Los Angeles Federal Executive Board to provide information to Federal employees and annuitants.

OPM has also produced a series of public service announcements in English and Spanish, which will be distributed to television and radio outlets throughout the impacted region.

Affected employees and annuitants with Internet access can also obtain important information by visiting OPM's dedicated California fire website at www.opm.gov/CaliforniaFires/

OPM also reminds employees participating in this year's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) that many organizations on the CFC approved list will be providing disaster relief to the affected regions of California.

We have sent communications to all chief human capital officers at Federal agencies to ensure employees are kept apprised of any new information on activities to assist Federal employees.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.