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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

Preparedness Basics

​All NIH employees should:

  • Know how to activate emergency alarms and who to call to who to call to report an emergency.
  • Be familiar with the two nearest exit routes in your work area.
  • Locate the two closest shelter-in-place areas.
  • Know the location of your building’s assembly​ area.
  • Make sure your contact information and work location are accurate in the NIH Enterprise Directory (NIH network required*).

* If you do not have network access, see the Additional Resources​ ​​section under NIH Enterprise Directory (NED) Updates.​



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