The National Capital Region experienced a historic snow fall in late January that closed airports, major interstates and impacted the federal government operating status for a week — January 22 to 29, 2016.
During these weather emergencies, the dedicated emergency personnel behind the scenes rarely receive recognition for their hard work. Several divisions within the Office of Research Services collaborated in anticipation of the impending blizzard. The Division of Police (DP) prepared for the worst case scenario, anticipating the possibility that police officers would be unable to leave campus after their shifts ended due to poor road conditions. Alvin Hinton, Chief of Police, contacted the Division of Emergency Management (DEM), requesting a loan of several surplus cots to ensure police officers would have a place to rest.
“The men and women of the NIH Police are greatly appreciative of the Emergency Management staff, and their concern for the safety of police employees,” thanked Chief Hinton. “By providing the cots, a number of officers and Emergency Communications Center personnel did not have to face extremely hazardous conditions driving home. The DEM’s spirit of cooperation and collaboration was made very apparent during the Blizzard.” The cooperation between the police and emergency management is a noteworthy example of two divisions helping each other during a time of emergency.
Once the ominous forecast was confirmed, another team effort was initiated behind the scenes – notifying and communicating with NIH employees via AlertNIH. Late Thursday evening, January 21, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced federal offices would close early the following day. The NIH Office of Human Resources’ (OHR) Workforce Relations Division (WRD) informed staff of OPM’s decision through AlertNIH, in collaboration with DEM. Upon receiving this information, Human Resources Specialist Kelly Peralta contacted DEM and the team worked to issue the time-sensitive messaging to NIH staff. Reflecting on the recent storm, Peralta said “the collaboration with DEM helps ensure we get emergency messaging to the NIH community as quickly as possible, across multiple communication platforms.” AlertNIH messages were quickly sent to staff on six occasions due to this storm, highlighting the availability and reliability of the OHR and ORS divisions to collaborate 24/7.
These divisions, as well as others, will continue to collaborate and work as a team to provide safety and security to the NIH community when faced with future emergencies. “The DEM and the NIH community are prepared for a large range of events, by working together we are able to continue the NIH mission and essential functions” asserted John Arszulowicz, Director DEM.
