Shelter in place

Any time you are required to stay indoors because of an emergency situation, you are sheltering in place. The appropriate steps to take when preparing to shelter in place will depend upon the particular emergency situation you are facing.

Sheltering in place may be short-term, such as going to a safe room for a brief period of time while a tornado warning is in effect. This should be an interior room with no windows, preferably below ground level. Identify this room in advance and stock it with a few supplies – bottled water, snacks, flashlight, whistle, and a few toys or books to occupy family members. It would be ideal if your safe room was equipped with a hard-wired telephone.

You may also be asked to shelter in place due to a chemical, biological or radiological contaminant that has been accidentally or intentionally released into the environment.

·         Move out of the path of smoke or fumes to seek shelter indoors. DO NOT attempt to go through smoke or fumes.

·         Take shelter in a house or other building and remain indoors.

·         Close and lock all windows and exterior and interior doors so as to "compartmentalize" your safe room.

·         Turn off all fans and set thermostats for heating, air conditioning units, and hot water heaters so that they do not turn on.

·         Do not use the fireplace. Close the damper.

·         In the event of a hazardous spill, your safe room should be an interior room without windows and be at or above ground level (some chemicals are heavier than air).

·         Bring your emergency supply kit with you and make sure your radio is working.

Sheltering in place may also be longer term – you may be required to stay in your home for several days without electricity or water services following a severe storm. It is at this time that you will require the emergency supplies kit you have prepared for your family.