Emergency Response Information

For internal use only
Emergency Contacts:
911
Montgomery County Emergency Services
Police, Fire, and Medical Emergency Response
240-661-6255
Security Guard Post
On Campus emergencies, lost or stolen equipment
800-253-0749
EMSI
24 Hour Spill Response
Important Contacts

Environmental Health and Safety:

EHSTeam@Novavax.com

Emergency Communications/Notification

In the event of an emergency situation, Novavax will use the following methods of communication to notify personnel of the nature of the emergency and the appropriate response:

  • Fire alarm system annunciators
  • Emergency Notification System (mass email, text, desktop display)
  • Teams phone
  • Cell phones (possible outages during some emergencies)
  • Texting (somewhat more reliable during emergencies)
  • Internal emails
Active Shooter/Intruder
Run Hide Fight Emergency Response

Run

Run - Escape Route
  • If you are in immediate danger, seek safety. Getting yourself and bystanders away from the attacker is the top priority.
  • Warn others to evacuate or seek shelter.
  • Once you are in a safe area, call 911 and describe the attacker, location, and weapons.

Hide

Hide - Shelter in Place
  • If you can't evacuate, seek shelter.
  • Lock and block doors, close blinds and turn off lights.
  • Have everyone get down on the floor or up against a solid interior wall.
  • Once you are sheltered, call 911 and describe the attacker, location, and weapons. Remain calm.
  • If you are on a ground floor, consider exiting through the windows as safely as possible.

Fight

Fight - Last Resort
  • As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by fighting.
  • Yell
  • Commit to your actions.

When Law Enforcement Arrives

  • Remain calm and follow instructions.
  • Keep hands visible and empty.
  • Evacuate as directed.
Evacuation

If you are notified that all or part of the building needs to be evacuated, do so promptly, calmly, and efficiently.

  • LEAVE... the building immediately
  • WALK... do not run to the nearest safe exit. USE STAIRS instead of elevators
  • MEET... at your designated "Rally Point"
  • STAY... at the assembly area until further notice. Do not return to the work site or leave the premises until an all-clear is given.

When assigned to a new work area: One of your first actions should be to locate your "Rally Point." Ask your manager or the guard on duty in your building to show you where it is.

During the evacuation process, always follow the directions and instructions of Evacuation Leaders, Facility staff, Emergency Responders, and/or officials.

Fire Safety

Smoke/fire detectors, pull stations, automatic sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers are located throughout Novavax facilities. The following steps should be taken upon discovering fire or smoke:

Use R.A.C.E.

  • RESCUE... anyone in immediate danger. Call out to others in the room and assist anyone with mobility limitations as you can.
  • ACTIVATE... the nearest fire alarm pull station and call 911 as soon as you are in a safe place
  • CONTAIN... the fire by closing all doors as you leave
  • EVACUATE/EXTINGUISH... EVACUATE if you are unable to stop the fire. If:
    • The fire is small,
    • You have the training,
    • And an unobstructed exit is behind you, EXTINGUISH the fire.

Remember the PASS word:

PASS Fire Extinguisher Method
Flooding

Report flooding immediately to Facilities

  • Move to higher ground if necessary
  • Do not walk through moving water
  • Turn off electrical equipment if safe to do so
  • Evacuate if directed by authorities
  • Do not drive through flooded areas
Hazardous Substance Spill or Release

In the event of a hazardous substance spill or release (e.g. oil, chemical), take the following measures immediately to keep the spill from entering sewer or storm drains, spreading off-site, or affecting human health. Proceed with caution and common sense to avoid personal injury.

Stop, Contain/Control and Clean Up Small Spills

A spill is considered small if:

  • You know the identity and properties of the material
  • You are trained to clean up the spill
  • You have the PPE needed to clean up the spill
  • You are confident in your ability to clean up the spill
  • The spill can be contained with the supplies you have at hand.

If a spill is LARGE, CANNOT BE CONTAINED OR CONTROLLED, or INJURIES have occurred due to the release, the following procedures should be implemented:

  • Do not attempt to clean up the spill!
  • Secure the area
  • Inform others in the area
  • Evacuate the area as quickly and safely as possible
  • In the event of injuries or potential fire or explosion hazards, Call 911
  • Call Novavax Security at 240-661-6255
  • Notify your supervisor and EHS
Medical Emergency

If someone is experiencing a medical emergency, stay calm and do the following:

  • DIAL... 911 and answer the emergency dispatcher's questions as clearly and concisely as possible. DO NOT hang up until told to do so!
  • ALERT NOVAVAX SECURITY... by calling 240-661-6255 or sending someone to the Security desk.
  • DO NOT MOVE THE INDIVIDUAL... unless they are in a dangerous location.
  • RENDER... First Aid or CPR/AED, if you are trained.
  • DO NOT LEAVE THE INDIVIDUAL... Make them comfortable until emergency responders arrive on scene.
  • WORK WITH SECURITY... to get responders into the building and to the individual in need of help.
Protests and Demonstrations

General Guidelines:

  1. Do not engage in conversations or arguments with demonstrators.
  2. Do not confront demonstrators with negative signs, words or gestures.
  3. Do not accept packages, leaflets, or any other materials from demonstrators.
  4. Do not attempt to photograph or record protestors.
  5. Take note of the appearance and dress of demonstrators.
  6. Do not attempt to physically stop the demonstrators.
  7. Report any contact with the demonstrators or any demonstrator activity involving company property to Novavax Security at 240-661-6255.
  8. If demonstrators are blocking entrances to Novavax facilities, the Emergency Notification System will inform employees of the situation.

If demonstrators and/or TV/journalists are present as you arrive to work:

  1. Do not force your way through the demonstrators.
  2. If you are unable to enter due to a blocked entrance, leave the scene and call your manager for instructions.
  3. Do not talk to the press under any circumstances. A Novavax spokesperson will be appointed.
  4. If approached by demonstrators while driving your vehicle, lock the doors and keep windows closed.
  5. Obey all local traffic signals and laws.
  6. Follow instructions from Novavax Security or police.
  7. Enter and exit the building parking area at a slow speed and use indicators.
  8. Do not show demonstrators any form of identification, including your Novavax employee badge.

If you are already working in the building:

  1. Notify Novavax Security immediately at 240-661-6255 if you suspect a demonstration is likely to take place. Give as much detail as possible such as numbers, cause, and location.
  2. If demonstrators have entered the building but only have access to the common areas, remain in a secure office area until directed otherwise by management, Novavax Security or police.
  3. If you are in the common areas (lobby, hallways, restroom) when demonstrators enter the building, do not attempt to return to the office. Go to your vehicle if possible or to another secure location until the disturbance is over. Notify Novavax Security (240-661-6255) of your location.
  4. Should demonstrators enter an office, power off your computer, grab your personal belongings and exit the building. Notify Novavax Security (240-661-6255) of your location.
  5. Display your ID badge at all times while in the facility to avoid possible confusion by Novavax Security or police.
  6. In case of sudden evacuation, keep your personal belongings (e.g. purse, wallet, and car keys) secure and readily accessible.

For complete SOP see P_SOP_04518 Emergency Procedure: Protests and Demonstrations

Shelter in Place

Shelter-in-Place (SIP) is used when a hazard is outside of the building, such as severe weather, civil unrest, or when contaminants have been released into the environment. In most cases, it is preferred that you shelter in an interior room or area with few or no windows, such as a basement, interior corridor, restroom, or storeroom. SIP procedures will be initiated through the emergency notification systems noted in the Emergency Communications tab. If you receive an SIP notification, do the following steps immediately:

  • STOP... and stabilize all work activities and/or other operations in the building.
  • RELOCATE... if indicated. Quickly and calmly move from your present work area to the nearest designated "Shelter-in-Place" location. Use multiple rooms or areas as necessary.
  • REMAIN CALM... and await further instructions from Novavax Emergency Coordinators, external emergency responders or other public safety/security personnel.
  • DO NOT LEAVE... the building or Shelter-in-Place area until directed to do so by competent authorities or officials.
Suspicious Packages

If a suspicious package/substance is found:

  1. Leave the suspicious item where it was found. Do not touch it.
  2. Clear the immediate area of all persons and keep others away.
  3. Instruct those in the immediate area to wash their hands and other exposed skin with soap and water. Once clean, direct them to exit the affected area and await further instruction at a designated location.
  4. Contact Novavax Security at 240-661-6255.
  5. Direct these people to a designated area away from the substance to await further instruction.
  6. Collect the names of those who were exposed to the suspicious item.
  7. Cordon off the suspicious item. If possible, shut down all equipment and HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) in the immediate area.
  8. Answer the questions below. DO NOT go back to the suspicious package/substance to obtain information.
    • What is the location of the suspicious item?
    • What is a description of the substance?
    • What is the description of the mail? (Markings, labels, declarations, postage)
    • What is the addressee's name and address?
    • What is the mailer's name and address?
Suspicious Mail or Packages Warning
Threatening Callers/Bomb Threats

Bomb threats are rare, but serious events. How quickly and safely you react can save lives, including your own:

BOMB THREATS DOS AND DON'TS

  1. DO report suspicious activity, unattended packages, or a potential bomb threat to Novavax Security (240-661-6255) immediately, follow instructions, and evacuate the area.
  2. DO provide as much detail as possible.
  3. DO seek distance and cover, as they are the best means to reduce the risk of injury.
  4. DO NOT approach or inspect suspicious items or unattended packages.
  5. DO NOT congregate near the incident scene, as you may impede first responders and could be at risk of a secondary attack.

IF A BOMB THREAT IS RECEIVED BY PHONE

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible.
  3. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does.
  4. Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.
  5. Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information. Record the call if possible.
  6. If possible, write a note to a colleague to call the authorities or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify them yourself.
  7. If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display.
  8. Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist below immediately.
  9. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to get exact wording.
  10. DO NOT HANG UP upon termination of the call. Authorities can use the open line to assist in their investigation. From a different phone, contact Novavax Security (240-661-6255) immediately with information and await instructions.

IF A BOMB THREAT IS RECEIVED VERBALLY

  1. If the perpetrator leaves, note which direction they went.
  2. Notify Novavax Security (240-661-6255) and authorities immediately.
  3. Write down exactly what happened using the applicable sections of the Bomb Threat Checklist.

View the Homeland Security Bomb Threat Procedures Quick Reference Checklist

Tornadoes/Earthquakes

Tornadoes

A "Tornado Watch" is issued when weather conditions that could potentially allow tornadoes to form occur. A "Tornado Warning" indicates that a tornado has formed and has been sighted in the geographical area. In order to remain informed about drastic changes in weather, ensure that you are receiving government alerts on your cell phone.

  • If inside a building, proceed to a designated Shelter-In-Place location that is low, enclosed, and windowless.
  • Avoid the upper floors of buildings and large open areas with free-spanning roofs.

Earthquakes

Earthquake Safety Procedures
  • After the shaking stops, survey your immediate area for trapped or injured persons and ruptured utilities (water, gas, etc.).
  • Report any injuries, entrapments or utility problems to Security at 240-661-6255. Do Not Evacuate until instructed to do so.
Utility Failure/Oxygen Alarm

Emergencies of this nature include electrical system outages (local or community wide), plumbing failure/flooding, gas leaks, low oxygen alarms, steam line breaks, ventilation problems, elevator failures, etc.

In the event of a Utility Failure:

  • Remain calm and immediately notify the Facilities Department at Facilities@Novavax.com
  • If a low oxygen alarm is sounding, stay out of the area and warn others to do so. Notify Novavax Security (240-661-6255) who will make sure that facilities is aware and responding.
  • If an elevator is stopped between floors, notify Novavax Security at 240-661-6255 immediately. They will contact Facilities to send the appropriate persons.

    While waiting:

    • Let persons inside know that help is on the way.
    • Do not try to force the doors
    • Discourage occupants from trying to force doors or climb out the hatch
  • If the building must be evacuated, go to the Evacuation tab and follow the instructions listed.
  • Complete loss of power will trigger emergency lighting along exit routes. If additional light is needed, utilize a flashlight – DO NOT use candles, lighters or other sources of open flame.
  • Most Novavax facilities are connected to an emergency back-up generator system. In the event of an extended power outage, the following operations may need to be considered and implemented, as directed by site management or facilities:
    • Prior to evacuating, laboratory personnel should secure all experiments, close all fume hoods and chemical containers, unplug electrical equipment and computers that are easily accessed, and shut off research gases.
    • Manufacturing personnel should secure all stationary process equipment and machinery, close all fume hoods and chemical containers, shut off process gases, unplug computers and portable equipment, and shut down all other sources of power within their area(s) of operation that are not associated with the utility failure.