NIST Emergency Status Notification is a site that provides instructions on how to be notified in the event of NIST delayed openings, closure and other emergency instructions. The site includes the phone numbers, local radio and TV stations as well as a instructions to subscribe to text alerts.

Weather Policy

Please check the home page of this site or call the NIST Status line at 301-975-8000 or the center number 301-975-2152 for schedule changes in the event of inclement weather. The center’s answering machines will be updated as information is available.

Adjustment in Opening Hours – Due to Inclement Weather – Snow/Ice

• Delayed Arrival – When NIST is operating under a "Delayed Arrival" Status, the Center will delay opening by the hours indicated in the announcement, e.g., NIST is operating under a "Delayed Arrival" Status and employees are instructed to delay their arrival by 2 hours, thus the Center would open at 8:45 a.m. (6:45 a.m. + 2 hrs. = 8:45 a.m.).
• Unscheduled Leave – When NIST is operating under an "Unscheduled Leave" Status, the Center will open at 7:45 a.m.
• Delayed Arrival-Unscheduled Leave (announced together) – When NIST is operating under a "Delayed Arrival-Unscheduled Leave" Status, the Center will delay opening by the hours indicated in the announcement, i.e., NIST employees are instructed to delay their arrival by 2 hours, thus the Center would open at 8:45 a.m. (6:45 a.m. + 2 hrs. = 8:45 a.m.). If NIST announces a specific delayed opening time (i.e. 11:00 am), NIST CCC will open 15 minutes earlier (i.e. 10:45 am) than the announced opening time.
• Delayed Opening (closed with limited access) - The child care center staff are not allowed on campus until NIST is officially open since they do not have 24/7 access. Staff will make every effort to get on campus as soon as NIST is open, but parents should not expect the center to be fully operational until 30 minutes after the NIST announced opening time. Do not leave your child at the center unless a staff member is present in the classroom and takes custody.

Please note: "Delayed Arrival" and "Unscheduled Leave" occur when weather and road conditions are potentially dangerous. These adjustments in our operating hours give our staff more travel time, which is crucial during wintry weather conditions.

Emergency Center Late Opening or Early Closing - Inclement Weather or Emergency Situation

If the NIST site closes early due to inclement weather or for an emergency situation, the Center will close 30 minutes after NIST closes. Every effort will be made to notify parents of the early closing once we receive official notification from NIST. If NIST closes early, NIST employees will be notified in their own offices/labs by the NIST administration. Please stay alert when weather deteriorates or an emergency situation develops so you can pick up your child in a timely manner. A late pick up fee will be imposed for the first 5 minutes or portion thereof and a per minute charge beginning 30 minutes from NIST's official closing time.