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September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month – an annual campaign encouraging Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, businesses and communities.


The Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Emergency Preparedness and Coordination (DEPC), is the principle emergency planning resource for the NIH and responsible for coordinating all NIH resources essential to emergency planning and preparedness functions. DEPC:

  • ​Develops and issues emergency plans for all NIH facilities located both on and off campus

  • Develops response plans and exercises to test the adequacy and readiness of the NIH facilities and its people

  • Updates and maintains the NIH Continuity of Operations Plan

  • Provides emergency communication services through the AlertNIH notification system

  • Manages and coordinates NIH recovery operations during and following a critical impact

 During the month of September, DEPC will have tables displayed at the following locations:

  • ​Wednesday, September 10: Building 10 South Lobby (10:00am – 1:00pm)  

  • Thursday, September 11: Building 31A Lobby (10:00am – 1:00pm) 

  • Wednesday, September 24: 5601 Fishers Lane/NIAID Building (10:00am – 1:00pm)

​​​​These events dates will highlight emergency supply kits, family emergency planning, AlertNIH, and other important information. Please stop by to learn more about the topic of emergency preparedness and also learn more about the services DEPC and other ORS organizations offer. While visiting the DEPC table, please feel free to enter into a drawing for a special prize. The drawing will be held on September 25 and the winner will be contacted by phone or e-mail that same day!

For additional information on National Preparedness Month, please visit: http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/ser/depc. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Emergency Preparedness and Coordination at 301-496-1985.

Individuals with disabilities who need Sign Language Interpreters and/or reasonable accommodation to participate in this event should contact Steve Peterson at steve.peterson@nih.gov or 301-496-1985 and/or the Federal Relay (1-800-877-8339).

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