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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

Severe Weather (Tornado or Thunderstorm)

​​A Watch means that the severe weather event is possible in and near the watch area. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued.


A Warning means that the hazardous weather is now occurring, imminent, or likely. There is imminent danger to life and property, and you should take protective actions immediately.


  • Seek shelter in a designated shelter-in-place location.
  • Otherwise, go to a basement, underground excavation, or lower floor of interior hallway or corridor (preferably a steel-framed or reinforced concrete building).
  • As a last resort, seek shelter under a sturdy workbench or heavy furniture.
  • Avoid:
    • Top floors of buildings
    • Areas with glass windows or doors
  • Auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias, or other areas with large, wide-span ceilings
  • Listen for news reports or instructions from emergency personnel.​
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