Skip to main content
NIH Logo NIH Logo

Office of Research Services

Serving the NIH Community

ORS Home

Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

Emergency Procedures

Return to the Basic Emergency Procedures home page

Preparedness Basics

What every employee should know

Evacuation Procedures

When you must quickly leave the building or fire zone

Lockdown Procedures

​​Temporary security measures to stay safe inside

Shelter-in-Place (SIP) Procedures

When it is safer to stay inside during a storm or HAZMAT

Active Shooter

Run, Hide, Fight

Workplace Violence Prevention

Warning signs and what you can do

Bomb Threat

Procedures to remember and a checklist to print

Earthquake

What to do when the ground shakes

Fire

What to do when you see a fire or hear the alarm

Hazardous Materials Spill or Release

Follow your lab’s emergency response procedures

Maintenance Emergency (Power Failure, Flooding, Gas Leak)

For all maintenance or facility-related emergencies​

Severe Weather (Tornado or Thunderstorm)

Be ready to act quickly if a weather warning is issued​

Closures and Dismissals

Check the current OPM Operating Status​

Guidance for Individuals with Disabilities

Make a plan with your supervisor

Additional Resources

Learn More

Evacuation Procedures

​​​​​Evacuations* may be required during emergencies such as a fire, earthquake, bomb threat, or suspicious package.

  • Remember to stay calm.
  • Walk, do not run, to the nearest emergency exit.
  • DO NOT use elevators unless authorized by fire personnel.
  • Offer help to people who may need assistance during an emergency.
  • Notify the Occupant Emergency Coordinator (OEC) or an emergency responder if anyone remains in the building.
  • Report to your designated assembly area** to allow for accuracy in accountability.
  • Wait for instructions from the fire, police, or other emergency personnel before returning to your building.

* If you work in Building 10, you may have different procedures due to the use of fire zones (e.g., staff move horizontally from the affected fire zone to their designated assembly area in an adjacent zone). If you work in the Clinical Center, refer to the Clinical Center Evacuation Plan.

** Locate your assembly area by visiting the Workplace Emergency Plans page (NIH network required) or contacting your supervisor.​



​​