2. Least likely scenario: Biological, chemical or radiological
attack
DURATION
Shelter-in-Place at USDA Headquarters is anticipated to last
only a few hours-3 to 4. However, while the danger may pass in a few hours,
the effect on the transportation system may prevent you from leaving the immediate
area for several hours. Be patient.
While we believe that most situations will be of SHORT DURATION,
we also consider it prudent to plan for a longer period of time and we recommend
that you stock your Grab and Go Kit and prepare for the possibility of a stay
of 12 hours. Planning for a longer duration will provide you options if you
are released from USDA but are not able to get home and have to stay with
friends or at a motel.
ACTION TO TAKE
What action will I be told to take if I am inside the building?
The specific action will be determined by the event. Follow
the instructions that will be provided by the Public Address (PA) System,
the Computer Emergency Notification System (CENS), USDA Channel 6 TV, the
Wardens, your Monitors, and your supervisory chain. General guidance follows:
For flooding, severe congestion on the streets or metro,
or upon receipt of a request by authorities for USDA to shelter-in-place--
Remain in your offices.
For Severe weather and civil unrest that pose a physical
threat - 
Stay inside and if directed move away from windows to the inner
corridors. Be sure to close all doors connecting exterior offices to the corridor.
For extreme weather, such as a tornado, you may be advised to move to lower
levels in the building. Take your Grab and Go Kit.
For an External Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Incident
Stay inside and if next to a window, move to an inner corridor
or office. Close your windows and turn off air conditioners and fans. Be sure
to close all doors connecting exterior offices to the corridor. The purpose
is to reduce the transfer of contaminated air from the outside to the inside.
For personnel on basement levels and the first and second floors:
We will request that you move to interior spaces generally on a floor that
is 3 floors above. Basement to the 3rd floor, 1st floor to the 4th, and 2nd
floor to the 5th. Why? Because most chemical agents, particularly those which
may be used by terrorist are heavier than air and tend to hug the ground.
We suggest that all occupants explore their intended sheltering area and learn
the quickest way up if you are using the stairwells.
Elevators will be restricted to the use of persons with disabilities
and/or health issues. These personnel should move to the third floor. We want
to restrict the movement of elevators to any higher level as they drag air
up the shaft whenever they move. Elevators will normally be shut down to prevent
any further movement 15 minutes into the event.
You should also be aware that conditions are likely to get uncomfortable,
as the maintenance staff will immediately shut down the ventilation system
to reduce the chance of contamination entering the building. The close quarters,
heat, and stuffiness will add to your discomfort. Please remain calm and assist
those around you to cope with the situation.
Take your Grab and Go Kit!
For an Internal Chemical, Biological or Radiological Incident
-
Depending on the location and or severity of the event you will
most likely be told to immediately relocate to another, safer, portion of
the building. Specific instructions on where to go, and what areas to avoid
will be provided. Do not automatically evacuate as you may be placing yourself
in the path of the hazard. The developing situation will dictate further actions.
NOTIFICATIONS
How will I be informed that I need to shelter-in-place?
You will be notified immediately through both the Headquarters-wide
Public Address System and the Computer Emergency Notification System (CENS)
with specific instructions on the type of event and where employees should
move. We will keep you updated throughout the situation as often as possible.
We will also provide emergency information through USDA Channel
6, the Wardens, and Security Forces. Some persons with disabilities may also
receive information through their Wyndtell pagers.
A word of caution-some news media serve as excellent sources
of information on developing situations, but some do not always have accurate
data and jump to conclusions. What is being reported as factual for some part
of town (a reporter at the Capitol may say the plume of toxic material has
cleared and it is safe-it is for him) may not have the data on what is happening
at the Headquarters Complex. Likewise, media may report on actions that other
agencies are taking that may not be the best action for us, in our location.
Acting on external news media may put you at risk-wait for word from USDA
officials.
The USDA Incident Commander operates from the USDA Command Center
with its contiguous Operations Watch Area, Security Control Center and Emergency
Command Center. These centers provide real time accurate data for decision-making
and are linked to the Washington Alert System, the network of Federal Command
Centers, and the Metropolitan Council of Government.
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER CENTER AND LEASED LOCATIONS
The general guidance provided for the Headquarters complex applies
as well to USDA personnel in the George Washington Carver Center (GWCC) and
the leased facilities. Personnel in the GWCC should follow the instructions
provided over the Public Address System and CENS. Personnel in leased facilities
should move to those locations that offer a higher degree of safety within
your facility when you are informed of an incident. Leased facilities tenants
should coordinate with the other tenants in your building.
Currently, our primary system to keep you apprised of any threat
will be the Computer Emergency Notification System. If you are having difficulties
with the CENS at your location please check with your IT system administrator.
We are also currently working on a number of initiatives, which will shortly
be in place, to provide your facility redundant notification of any emergency.
These initiatives include extending the USDA Channel 6 television to your
common areas and providing key staff within your facility with a direct radio
link to the Incident Command structure. We also have notification lists of
key personnel in each facility that we can contact directly by phone in the
event of an emergency.
WHAT ELSE?
What action will I be told to take if I am outside the building?
Immediately upon notification to Shelter-In-Place, Security
will direct personnel outside the building to come inside. You will not be
denied entry. Once all personnel in the immediate area are inside the building
Security may post signs in the doors to direct late arrivals to another building
or specific entrance where personnel may be sequestered to enable responders
to attend to any signs of possible contamination.
Where will visitors go?
Upon notification to Shelter-in-Place, all employees should
assess their immediate area, identify any visitors, and provide them assistance.
Visitors include anyone not regularly assigned to USDA Headquarters including:
other agency employees, dependents, contractors, and other visitors, etc.
Once identified you need to direct the visitor(s) to the appropriate Shelter-in-Place
location-take them with you. If the visitor(s) insists on leaving the building,
escort them to the nearest Security Officer and allow Security to help them.
What about the Child Development Center?
The children in the Child Development Center (CDC) will be relocated
to the second floor conference room in the Yates Building. Please allow the
system to work in caring for the children. Parents are advised to not go to
the CDC and pick up their children since it will slow the relocation process.
Further, moving through a potentially hazardous area may result in your picking
up contamination and placing your child, and others at risk.
If I am told to Shelter-in-Place, do I have to stay?
No. Shelter-in-Place is a voluntary action, unless mandated
by law enforcement or public health officials. Personnel, who ask to leave
the building before it has been determined safe to do so, will be directed
to the security office where they will be informed of any civil restrictions.
If no restrictions are in place, personnel asking to leave will be escorted
by Security to the authorized exit point. Remember that leaving may be put
you at risk. The anticipated traffic jams and metro congestion may prevent
you from exiting the area expeditiously and could place you in a contaminated
zone.
Could legal authorities exercise a mandate to Shelter-in-Place?
Yes. Federal Protective Service and law enforcement agencies
can "detain" occupants within a police perimeter and local health
departments can quarantine and isolate occupants.
If we have to Shelter-in-Place what will USDA Headquarters
provide?
USDA Headquarters will provide for your immediate shelter and
security in a Shelter-in-Place event, but will not provide emergency food
and water for all employees. The Office of Operations has a limited supply
of life support consumables to provide for visitors, persons in medical distress,
occupants trapped in elevators, and personnel who cannot return to their offices
if an emergency is declared. The prime responsibility for providing for your
personal needs rests with you.
You will be responsible for providing your own "Grab and
Go Kit " with food, water and prescription medications should you be
directed to Shelter-in-Place. For more information on the Grab and Go Kit
please visit http://www.usda.gov/oo/beprepared/Grabandgokit.htm
What can I do to ensure that I am prepared?
While we cannot foresee every possible emergency, you can be
prepared to meet most. We recommend that you and your family develop an emergency
plan ahead of time so you can be confident they are safe in the event of an
emergency. If your family is safe, then you will feel more comfortable while
sheltering-in-place and during your return home. For specific information
on how to develop a family emergency plan, and what emergency action plans
your local authorities have in place, refer to our website, http://www.usda.gov/oo/beprepared.
