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Emergency Procedures

Keeping Informed During Emergencies

During emergencies, the Emergency Notification System (ENS) is one method by which we will notify you of an emergency in your building. The New DOE Alert Notification System can help you stay informed during an emergency as it allows us to send a text message to Blackberries and cellular telephones.  The Operating Status Hotline (301-903-SNOW) will allow you to find out if the buildings are operational following an emergency situation.  To help you be better prepared and informed, these items are discussed in more detail below.

DOE Emergency Notification System (ENS)

The Emergency Notification System (ENS) is the “pop-up” alert message that takes over your computer and flashes either a red border (if you are the intended audience) or a yellow border (if you have selected to “listen” to messages intended for other buildings). 

Please make sure that your profile is set up correctly.  You can check or change your profile at any time by clicking on the yellow and black circle in the bottom right corner of your computer screen.  Once the “DOEENS Configuration” box pops up, click on the “Profiles” tab.  Ensure that the “Profiles Info” is accurate.  You will receive messages intended for the building selected under the “Profiles Info.”  To “listen” to messages for other buildings, double click on any of the buildings under the section, “I also want to listen for messages in buildings” section.  Once you have made your changes, click on the “Save” button.  You will then have a message box asking if you want to register and use this profile as your default profile.  Please select “Yes.”  You may then click on the “Close” button to close the screen.  If you do not have a yellow and black circle in the lower right corner of your screen, contact your IT support personnel. 

DOE ALERT Notification System

To enhance our communications capability, the Office of Management has established the “DOE Alert” system.  All Headquarters employees (federal and contractor) can receive text information messages during emergency events on registered text-capable devices (cell phones, PDA’s, alphanumeric pagers, etc).  This system will not work using numeric pagers. 

You will only receive these messages if you register.  Please register to receive emergency text notifications by using the URL, https://alert.doe.gov.  This URL is available only within the DOE firewall or intranet.  The self-subscribing procedure should take less than ten minutes.  Once completed, you will receive confirmation of your registration at your e-mail address, and you can send a test message to yourself to ensure that you are registered.  If you have a Blackberry, you do not need to enter your e-mail address twice.  If you have any problems during the registration, please contact the Help Desk at 301-903-2500. 

You have the option to register your personal cellular telephone and other personal devices to receive text messages; however, you are responsible for any fees charged by your personal communications carrier for text messages received on your personal devices. 
For more questions you can refer to the site's FAQ section, at:
https://alert.doe.gov/faq.php

Operating Status Hotline (3-SNOW)

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) makes the determination regarding the operating status of the Federal government in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.  They publish the operating status on their website (http://www.opm.gov) once a decision has been made.  Even if the Federal government is closed, essential employees are still required to report for work.

The Operating Status Hotline, 301-903-SNOW (301-903-7669), will be updated to reflect the operating status of the Headquarters buildings including changes to the operating status made by OPM.  Government-wide closures and building specific closures will also be announced on local radio stations, including WMAL 630 AM, WFMD 930 AM, WTOP 1500 AM and 103.5 FM, and WFRE 99.9 FM.

Please direct all questions to the Headquarters Safety and Health Office on (202) 586-1005 or via email at HQSafetyandHealth@hq.doe.gov.

Personal Emergency Plan Review List

This is a good time to review steps you can take at the office and at home to prevent a fire incident.

Office:

  • Review your site-specific emergency procedures booklet.
  • Know two separate ways to evacuate your assigned work areas.
  • Know where your assembly point is outside the building.
  • Know the location of your nearest fire extinguisher.
  • Know the emergency telephone numbers for your location.
  • Create a Grab-N-Go kit with important necessities.
  • Take a First Aid, CPR, and AED training class.
  • Get involved as a Warden or Monitor.
  • Let your supervisor or Safety and Health Representative know if you have a special need.

Home:

  • Check and replace batteries in smoke detectors as necessary.
  • Service water heaters and furnaces annually.
  • Use only U/L rated electrical cords and replace those that are frayed.
  • Develop and rehearse periodically your home evacuation plan.
  • Do not overload household circuits.
  • Create a Grab-N-Go kit with important necessities

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Other Resources on Emergency Planning and Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness During Winter Storms

Winter Storm Emergency Preparedness Presentation (pdf) [coming when download available] - created by Maureen Jones, OCIO, and modified by Cherylynne Williams. It contains helpful information, but is by no means all inclusive.

DOE Web Sites:

Other Web Sites:

Additional Emergency Preparedness Information:
The following links are subject to the DOE Disclaimer.
(Links to pdf files will be reestablished when download capability is enabled)