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​​​Contact Information

For questions, please contact:

Division of Emergency Management
Phone: (301) 496-1985
orsdem@nih.gov

For questions specific to your Institute or Center, please contact your Emergency Coordinator.

In an Emergency
​Call 911​
 
ORS breadcrumbDEM > Information & Resources > Evacuation & Shelter in Place

Evacuation and Shelter in Place

The Division of Emergency Management (DEM) is the principal emergency planning resource for the NIH and is responsible for developing emergency plans for all NIH facilities located both on and off campus, including those relating to fire as well as other major emergencies that could occur within such facilities and response plans and exercises to test the adequacy and readiness of the facility and its people.

Workplace Evacuation

Procedures:
  • Remain calm
  • Immediately cease all operations. Confine any hazardous materials and turn off oxygen/flammable gasses
  • Leave quickly, without running
  • Shut all doors behind you
  • Accompany and assist employees or visitors with disabilities or special needs, or any co-workers who appear to need direction or assistance
  • These employees will meet at the primary designated safe area at the elevator lobby or at the secondary area in the nearest stairwell.  They are to be accompanied by their buddy/co-worker. Team members will notify the Occupant Emergency Coordinator (OEC) that they are waiting for assistance by the Fire Department
  • Proceed as quickly as possible, but in an orderly manner (DO NOT push or shove; hold handrails when you are using stairs)
  • Move to a previously designated assembly area or safe area away from the building

Shelter-in-place

Shelter-in-place (SIP) will be used when it is safer for employees to remain inside the building rather than to evacuate. Interior windowless rooms can be used for SIP.
 
Examples of SIP incidents include tornado warnings and HAZMAT incidents.
 
Procedures:
  • Remain Calm
  • Immediately cease all operations. Confine any hazardous materials and turn off oxygen/flammable gases
  • Shut doors behind you
  • Proceed to a designated SIP room/area or to a safe interior windowless room
  • Accompany and assist employees or visitors with disabilities or special needs, or any co-workers who appear to need direction or assistance
  • Listen to radio or television for updates on the situation
  • DO NOT leave the building until authorities give the verbal “all clear” message

Training

 Reference