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Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP)

The OSY Emergency Preparedness Program staff manages the Departmental Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the overall Occupant Emergency Program for the Department, and the specific Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP) for the Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB). Through tests, training and exercises, the staff effectively plans for, controls and evaluates all interagency-level exercises in accordance with the National Exercise Program.

The Department of Commerce HCHB Occupant Emergency Plan can be accessed at this link (Commerce personnel only).

Department organizations who are tenants in GSA controlled facilities (not delegated to DOC) usually are supported by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and/or GSA for the building specific OEP. The facility tenant(s) is responsible for the development and implementation of the OEP. If the facility has multiple Federal government tenants, the OEP is organized through the Facility Security Committee (FSC) and approved by the FSC Chairperson.

Building Evacuation

Organized, phased, and supervised withdrawal, dispersal, or removal of civilians from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas, and their reception and care in safe areas. 

  • Follow your facility’s Occupant Emergency Plan
  • Stay calm and quickly prepare to leave the building.
  • Notify co-workers to evacuate the premises.
  • Take appropriate stairwells, not elevators, to leave the building.
  • Follow your building’s specific emergency action plan and meet in designated areas.
  • Do not return to the building until law enforcement officials have indicated that it is safe to return.

Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-in-Place (SIP) is the use of a designated structure (such as interior halls, conference rooms, offices, or storage rooms) to temporarily separate individuals from a hazard or threat. 

Active Shooter

An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area that requires a coordinated response by law enforcement and other first responders to save lives.

  • Preparedness: BE INFORMED - MAKE A PLAN
  • During: RUN and escape if possible - HIDE if escape is not possible - FIGHT as an absolute last resort
  • After: Keep hands visible and empty, follow commands from first responders, help yourself and others, seek help if injured and for longer term effects of trauma.

DOC hosts an online Active Shooter Training on the Commerce Learning Center (CLC) which is recommended for all personnel working in Federal facilities.

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