In some types of emergencies it is safer to make a temporary shelter where you are rather than trying to leave.  Some types of chemical releases, whether accidental or intentional, may make it too dangerous to go outside or put you in harm’s way by trying to leave the area.

“Shelter-In-Place” means to make a shelter out of the place where you are.  It is important to understand that this is different than sheltering because of a storm.

When To Shelter-In-Place

The most likely reason that we would ask you to shelter in place would be because of a hazardous chemical release in your area.  The instructions would be given to you either by the first responders on the scene (fire, police, EMS), through your local radio and television station, or through the National Weather Service’s Emergency Alert System over your “All-hazards” radio (if you have one).  You would probably only need to shelter in place for a few hours but we would provide instructions on when it is safe to go back outside.

How to Shelter-In-Place

At Home

 Act quickly.  Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
 
 If you are told there is a danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, and curtains.
 
 Turn off all fans, heating, and air conditioning systems.
 
 Close all fireplace dampers
 
 Get your family disaster kit.
 
 Go to an interior room, without windows, and above ground.  (Some chemicals are heavier than air so basements, storm cellars, etc are not the best choices.)
 
 Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal the doors, windows, and vents in the room.
 
 Bring your pets with you.  (Get extra food and water for them)
 
 Ideally you will choice a room with a hard-wired telephone.  Notify your emergency contact of your situation and location.  Be prepared to call 911 if a life-threatening condition arises.
 
 Remain in the room and listen to your radio or TV until you are told all is safe or that you need to evacuate.  – Be aware that there may be limited evacuations necessary where not all households in a community need leave.
 

At Work

 Close the business
 
 If there are customers, clients, or visitors in the building, ask them to stay – not leave.  (When we issue a shelter-in-place warning, we want everyone to stay where they are, not go outside or try to leave)
 
 Shut and lock the doors and windows.  If you are told there is a danger of explosion, close window shades, drapes, and blinds.
 
 Time permitting, have employees, customers, clients, and visitors make a quick call to their emergency contacts to let them know where they are.
 
 Turn on call-forwarding or alternative answering systems.  If you have an automated greeting, change the message to indicate that your business is closed.
 
 Have employees that are familiar with the systems turn off heat, air, fans, etc.
 
 Gather your emergency supply kit. 
 
 Select an interior room, preferably above ground, with as few doors, windows, and vents as possible.  The room should be large enough for everyone to sit in.  If necessary, choose more than one room but do not over-crowd everyone.  Ideally, your room(s) will have a hard-wired telephone.
 
 Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal doors, windows, and vents. 
 
 Write down the names of everyone in the room(s) and call your business’ designated emergency contact to report who is in the building with you.
 
 Remain in place until instructed that it is safe or to evacuate.  Usually you will only need to shelter in place for a few hours.
 

At School

Your school has its own disaster plan.  Follow the instructions of the school faculty.

In Your Vehicle

If you are driving and you hear “shelter-in-place” on the radio, do the following:

If you are very close to your home, office, or a public building, go there and go inside immediately.  Following the shelter-in-place instructions for the place that you are at.
 
 If you are unable to get to a safe place quickly, pull over to the side of the road.  Stop your vehicle at the safest place possible.  If it is sunny outside, try to stop under a shady spot to avoid being overheated.
 
 Turn off the engine and close windows and vents.
 
 If possible, seal off the heating/air conditioning vents with duct tape or other air-tight material.
 
 Listen to radio for updates and instructions.
 
 Stay where you are until you are told it is safe to get back on the road.  Be aware that some roads may be closed off to traffic.  Follow the instructions of law enforcement.