Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Fire / Explosion

Fire Explosion ICON
  1. Become familiar with the nearest exits, fire alarm manual pull station, fire extinguishers and evacuation points to your location.  
  2. If you discover a fire of any size or smell smoke, leave by the nearest exit and activate the fire alarm pull station as you exit the building.
  3. Go to nearest safe location and call:
  • Gaithersburg Campus x2222 from a campus phone or call 301-975-2222 from a cellular phone. When calling 911 from a cellular or off-site phone inform the 911 dispatcher that the emergency is on the NIST campus.
  • Boulder Campus x7777 from a campus phone or call 303-497-7777 from a cellular phone. When calling 911 from a cellular or off-site phone inform the 911 dispatcher that the emergency is on the NIST campus.

Give exact location of fire.

  1. DO NOT OPEN HOT DOORS. Before opening any door, touch it to see if it’s hot. Fire on the other side could blast through if the door is opened. 
  2. Evacuate the building along with other occupants. 
    • Assist persons needing assistance (injuries, disabilities, etc.).
  3. Account for and report missing personnel to your supervisor and/or first responders.
  4. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS FOR EVACUATION.  USE STAIRWELLS. 
  5. Move at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from the building.
  6. Wait for further direction from NIST leadership or until an “All Clear” is announced.

Evacuation Assistance

When you are on the NIST campus and know that you will require assistance during an evacuation, ask your supervisor, sponsor, or host to assist you in completing the Evacuation Assistance Form, before an emergency event occurs.

If you have any questions while completing the Evacuation Assistance Form, please contact eso [at] nist.gov (emergencymanagement[at]nist[dot]gov) for guidance.

Additional Resources

Ready.gov/Home Fires

Ready.gov/Explosions

Red Cross- Home Fire Prevention Safety Tips

Created February 13, 2023, Updated May 17, 2024