Wildfire Threat at the Lab is Real. Are You Ready?

10 Minutes Could Be a Lifesaver

On Wednesday, June 24, the Lab will hold an emergency exercise. And you play a key role.

As part of the exercise, everyone on site that day will receive a LabAlert at approximately 9:15 a.m. with the steps you should take. Please take part in this exercise. It will take approximately 10 minutes, and you’ll be better prepared for a real emergency.

In the next few weeks, past Elements stories focused on wildfire risk and preparation will be re-run as we prepare for a warm, dry summer.

Ready – Be prepared with a Go Bag that includes walking shoes (if you don’t always have a good pair on hand), some cash, a snack, and water bottles. You might want to add a mask or any medication that can help you breathe more easily in heavy wildfire smoke. Know your zone. There are six zones at the Lab.

Sign up for LabAlert. Although Lab mobile devices are already enrolled in LabAlert, please sign up on your personal device as well, so we always have a way to communicate with you.

Set – Be aware of the weather. Wildfires can happen at any time, but are more likely when the weather is hot, dry, and windy. Pay attention to the Fire Danger signs at each gate to be aware of fire weather days. On those days, be alert to any changes that might mean a wildfire is possible. Can you work from an alternate location away from the hillsite on those days? Think through how you can quickly secure your workspace or experiments if you need to leave with just a few minutes’ warning. Updates will be provided on status.lbl.gov.

Go – Grab your wallet, keys, badge, phone, and Go Bag, and follow the instructions you will receive via LabAlert. It might be a zone movement, where people in certain zones are told to immediately head to the nearest Wildfire Temporary Refuge Building. If there is enough time, the entire Lab may be told to leave the hillsite zone, by zone, or to move to a refuge building. This is NOT the time to think about your wildfire response; it is the time for action.

Take additional action now by bookmarking the resources below, then be prepared to take part in the exercise on Wednesday, June 24.