The laboratory’s annual emergency exercise will take place on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. The exact time and locations of the exercise will not be announced.
The annual exercise is a complex, full-scale scenario that brings together multiple planners and emergency responders.
Argonne’s Office of Emergency Management works together with the Argonne Fire Department, Protective Force and other on-site departments to ensure all efforts are coordinated in the event of an actual emergency. Numerous employee volunteers also take part in the annual exercise as monitors, moderators, actors and first responders.
The exercise is mandated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Orders — DOE Order 151.1C and DOE Order 150.1A — that requires the laboratory to have an effective and coordinated emergency response.
Employees should be aware that unusual activity may occur around the Argonne campus during the exercise. Employees may see emergency personnel on site along with emergency response vehicles. No alarm or concern is needed. Exercise activities will occur entirely within the fenced boundaries of the laboratory. The exercise is a crucial part of ensuring the laboratory can effectively respond to any emergency situation.
About the Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management plans, prepares and responds to operational emergencies. It is responsible for training Emergency Management Teams and maintaining the Emergency Operations Center.
The office is also charged with continuity of operations planning to ensure that mission-essential functions can be performed during a wide range of emergencies and events.