The Division of Emergency Preparedness and Coordination (DEPC) is the principal emergency planning resource for the NIH and is responsible for coordinating all NIH resources essential to emergency planning and preparedness functions. This includes serving as the NIH Emergency Coordinator with Montgomery County emergency preparedness organizations, state offices and with national emergency response organizations under the leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The DEPC works closely with the DHHS Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) in the planning for, and response to, large-scale national disasters subsequent to requests from FEMA and the Office of International Health.

What We Do

• Develop and issue emergency plans for all NIH facilities located both on and off campus, including those relating to fire as well as other major emergencies that could occur within such facilities.
• Develop response plans and exercises to test the adequacy and readiness of the facility and its people.
• Developing and implementing the NIH Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), as mandated by Executive Order and by Department of Health and Human Services directives.
• Maintain the "NIH Occupant Evacuation Plan" and ensure overall compliance among the NIH community. Ensure competency of Occupant Emergency Organization staff through regular training classes, seminars and semi-annual evacuation drills at all NIH facilities.