Back-up System – “214” Emergency Numbers

Common Emergency Numbers

NIH Emergency Back-up System (“214” Numbers and Red Phones)

The Red Emergency Backup Telephones or “Red Phones” are to be used only in the event the NIH telephone system is not working. These telephones are area code 301, beginning with a 214 exchange and are found throughout the NIH community.  Contact your Administrative Officer should you require one in your area.

View a more detailed list of Back-up Emergency Numbers (PDF, 31kb)

Dialing Instructions for Red Telephones with a 214-exchange

• To dial from a red phone to an in-house phone
  Dial 9, wait for second dial tone, dial the 10 digit number
• To dial from a red phone to a red phone
  Dial the 10-digit number
• To dial from an in-house phone to a red phone
  Dial 9 + (area code) + 7 digit number
• To dial from a red phone to a local outside line
  Dial 9, wait for second dial tone , dial (area code) + number
• To dial from a red phone to a long distance outside line
  Dial 9, wait for second dial tone , dial 1 + (area code) + number

• When using the red phone for NIH pagers dial 301-214-1817 and follow the voice activated instructions.
• All 214 exchange numbers are in area code 301.
• To reach the NIH operator from a red phone, dial “0”.

For additional information, please contact the NIH Help Desk: