|
What is the purpose of RED Alert Critical?
- Red Alert Critical (RAC) is a designation for employees of the Institutes and Centers (IC) who are responsible for maintaining mission critical activities within their IC and/or the NIH. RAC is an all-hazards program that controls staff access to the NIH Bethesda Campus during or following a crisis. The crisis can range from a terrorist attack to a Pandemic event.
Who decides to elevate the Threat Level to Code Red?
Why is it necessary for heightened security and restricted access to facilities under elevated Threat Levels?
- If the National Threat Level is elevated by DHS, the NIH will increase its protective security measures to ensure the safety and security of NIH personnel and its assets.
What happens at the NIH under a Level Red Threat Condition?
- Upon activation of a Level Red Threat Condition, the NIH will maintain only the most mission critical functions and activities, and limit access of NIH campuses and facilities to those individuals designated as “Red Alert Critical”.
back to top
What happens if the NIH elevates to a Level Red Threat Condition while I am at work?
- An ORS Security Advisory detailing next steps will be sent via email to all personnel if the NIH elevates to a Level Red Threat Condition. NIH senior management will notify IC Directors and supervisors as they continue to assess the situation who will, in turn, keep their IC staff updated. NIH radio station 1660 will also broadcast information to the staff.
How long will I be expected to stay if the NIH elevates to a Level Red Threat Condition while I am at work?
- You will be expected to stay for your normal tour of duty, or as directed by your supervisor or IC Director. Check with your supervisor about their expectations for you during a Level Red Threat Condition.
Who are “Red Alert Critical” personnel and how do I know if I am on the list?
- Each IC designates employees and contractors as “Red Alert Critical” personnel. You will be notified by your IC if you have been designated as an RAC employee. If you are unsure as to your status you can contact the DEPC at 301-496-1985 to obtain your IC RAC representative.
How do I find out who in my IC has been designated as Red Alert Critical?
- Each IC has a designated Red Alert Critical POC who maintains a list of all personnel designated as Red Alert Critical within their IC. Y ou can contact the DEPC at 301-496-1985 to obtain your IC RAC representative who maintains that information.
I have been designated “Red Alert Critical”, how will I access NIH campuses and facilities?
- If you are designated as “Red Alert Critical”, you will receive an NIH Red Alert Critical ID badge. Your current NIH ID badge and the Level Red NIH ID badge will allow you access to NIH campuses and facilities during a Level Red Threat Condition.
back to top
Can I work from home during a Level Red Condition?
- If you would like to work from home you should speak with your supervisor. NIH has an established Telework policy in place. For more information visit: http://telework.od.nih.gov/ .
How is access at NIH facilities located off the Bethesda Campus handled?
- Your current NIH ID badge will allow you access to the NIH campuses and facilities during a Level Red Threat Condition.
How is access at remote NIH campuses (RML, NIEHS, Baltimore , etc.) handled?
- Remote campuses participate in the Red Alert Critical Program and utilize this mechanism to manage access during a Level Red Threat Condition . If you are employed or visit a remote campus you should contact their security or safety group to learn more about their specific security requirements utilized during a Level Red Threat Condition.
back to top Will visitors and vendors be allowed access to NIH facilities during a Level Red Threat Condition?
- Access to NIH campuses and facilities will be highly restricted to visitors and commercial vendors. The IC Red Alert Critical POC will determine which visitors or commercial vendors will need to access the NIH on behalf of the IC. They will relay this information to the NIH Red Alert Critical POC located in the NIH COOP Emergency Operations Command Center (EOCC). The NIH COOP EOCC can be contacted by dialing 301-435-2000.
What do I do if I am expecting a visitor or vendor to an NIH campus or facility?
- Inform your IC Red Alert Critical POC that there is a critical need for a visitor or vendor to access an NIH facility. The IC Red Alert Critical POC will coordinate the visit with the security program and the NIH Red Alert Critical Program Manager to gain access for the visitor or vendor. The IC Red Alert Critical POC will be in the NIH COOP EOCC and will be available by dialing 301-435-2000.
Where can I find additional information on Threat Levels?
|
 |
Contact Information
For general emergency preparedness inquiries, please contact:
Division of Emergency Preparedness and Coordination
301-496-1985
DEPC Staff
Michael L. Spillane, Director
Mary Ann Bell, Fire/Evacuation Drills
Ellen Gary, Red Alert Critical
James Stringfellow, SendWordNow
|
