What kinds of coordination does the NIH have in place in the event of an emergency?
The NIH utilizes an “Incident Command System” to respond to emergencies of any kind. This system ensures that an NIH Fire and Police Department Command Officer is on the campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Command Officer is empowered to direct emergency operations, evaluate the situation, and take immediate action to protect lives and property. Emergency response is incident-specific, tailored to the unique nature of each problem. Finally, the NIH Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) integrates all NIH resources to support NIH Emergency Services during the course of an emergency, and helps coordinate recovery activities in the aftermath of a disaster or crisis. The NIH COOP also works collaboratively with the HHS Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness in support of national needs.
