Know How to Shelter-in-Place
What If You Are Told to Shelter-in-Place?
Officials will tell you if sheltering-in-place is needed through tone alert radios, the siren system, the Emergency Alert System, cable television and radio override. If you are told to shelter-in-place, you should take the following actions:
- Make sure all people and pets are inside. Do not risk your own health by trying to get farm animals into a shelter.
- Turn off all air systems (air conditioners, heating systems, exhaust systems, attic fans, etc.).
- Close fireplace flues.
- Do not place the air system on re-circulate.
- Go into a central room with the least number of windows. Allow approx. 10 sq. ft. per person (bathroom or interior closet). Take a chair or stepstool to aid in sealing the room. The room may become warm due to body heat. There is no need for alarm.
- Take an AM/FM radio (preferably battery operated) and/or a television with you. Stay tuned to local radio or television EAS stations for updated information and instructions. Officials will tell you when it is safe to leave your home.
- Close doors and windows. Use duct tape and plastic to seal cracks around doors, windows, and vents.
- Seal unused electrical outlets.
- Seal around pipes where air could enter.
Once the danger has passed, you must air out your home in order for it to be safe to inhabit. Your home will absorb some of the chemical vapor, and you may be putting yourself in more danger by staying in your home rather than leaving.
Sheltering-in-place is necessary if you do not have time to evacuate; however, it is only safe for a relatively short period of time. When authorities deem it safer to leave your home than stay inside, you will be notified.
Be Prepared!
Prepare your family for a disaster NOW by doing five things:
- Put together supplies to take with you if you are told to evacuate.
- Fill out the Family Plan Emergency Information form. Make sure your family knows probable evacuation routes, evacuation and shelter-in-place techniques, and EAS stations.
- If you or a family member would have trouble evacuating or sheltering-in-place due to health problems or lack of transportation, please have necessary arrangements made in advance.
- Designate a relative or friend outside the affected area for each family member to call in order to help reunite separated family members.
- Call your Office of Emergency Management if you have any questions. Presentations on emergency preparedness are available.
Listen to siren tones.