What Are Wildfire Temporary Refuge Buildings?
The Lab encompasses 202 acres of steep terrain and dense vegetation, which is subject to wildfire threat. Wildfires can move quickly, and you may have little time to prepare. There are several steps you can take to be prepared for a wildfire near or at the Lab
Ready
- Be prepared for any emergency by signing up for LabAlert, the Lab’s system of emergency communications. In the event of a nearby wildfire, messages from LabAlert will keep you informed.
- Prepare a go bag with items you would need in an emergency, such as walking shoes, spare glasses, and personal medication.
- Review the emergency checklist.
Set
Follow the instructions in the LabAlert. To prepare for evacuation, gather your phone, wallet, keys, badge, and go bag.
Go
Given enough time, evacuation is the preferred response. Limited exits from the Lab and traffic congestion on site and on neighboring streets can make it difficult to evacuate by personal vehicle. This may block access for first responders, creating unsafe conditions.
If evacuation is not possible, be prepared to relocate to one of the Lab’s Wildfire Temporary Refuge Buildings.
These wildfire refuge buildings are built with concrete, metal, and other noncombustible materials. Vegetation management is prioritized for these buildings to create defensible space around the exterior. Ultimately, wildfire refuge buildings are structurally hardened and maintained to resist wildfire.
It is important that you know the location of several Wildfire Temporary Refuge Buildings. Once inside a Wildfire Temporary Refuge Building, move to the interior away from windows. It may be hot and smoky outside, which can activate the building’s fire alarm system, but it is much safer inside a wildfire refuge building than being outside or in your personal vehicle. Emergency responders will be monitoring the area. It is crucial to remain calm. Do not exit the building until first responders give the all clear or you receive a LabAlert notification that it is safe to leave. Conditions outside could be hazardous even after the fire passes; take care as objects may be hot, trees may be down, and the air quality is often poor.
Become familiar with several of the Wildfire Temporary Refuge Buildings so that you can reach one quickly, no matter where you are at the Lab. Your safety is our top concern, and we want you to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Wildfire Temporary Refuge Buildings by Zone
Zone 1
- Building 50 complex
- 50C not Included
- Building 59
Zone 2
- Building 55
- Building 91
Zone 3
- Building 15
- Building 30
Zone 4
- Building 76
- Building 78
Zone 5
- Building 66
- Building 67
Zone 6
- Building 74
- Building 84
