What would you do in the event of a major flood, man-made disaster, power outage, toxic spill, or health-related quarantine?  Could you survive on your own for the first 72 hours after a major disaster or emergency? 

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It is important to remember that you may not always need to evacuate during a major emergency or terrorist attack, as leaving the building may put you at greater risk. In these situations, you should shelter-in-place.

What is Shelter-in-Place?

• Shelter-in-place means to stay indoors, whether in your home, school, business or public buildings.
• It may also include additional precautions such as turning off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems during a contamination emergency. While this may make the facility slightly uncomfortable, it will not become a life-threatening situation. This action could significantly reduce the possibility of contamination of the air inside.

When Should I Shelter-In-Place?

• Shelter-in-place may be used or recommended when there is little time to react to an incident and it would be more dangerous to be outside trying to evacuate than it would be to stay where you are, such as severe storms or tornadoes, civil unrest, or extreme temperatures.
• This method may also be recommended in the event of a chemical or biological release, whether accidental or intentional. Most chemical or biological agents, if released into the air, will dissipate in a short period of time. In most cases, sheltering-in-place will not continue for more than a few hours.

If you are told to shelter-in-place at home, take your children and pets indoors immediately.

During an emergency, try to stay calm and immediately follow the protective measures recommended by your local officials and emergency managers. You will be told when it is safe to return to discontinue shelter-in-place.

Stay indoors until authorities tell you it is safe or you are told to evacuate.

• Select a small, interior room, with no or few windows.
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
• Bring your family disaster supply kit and make sure the radio is working.
• Bring your pets.
• It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select (cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency)
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
• Listen to your radio or television for further instructions or updates.
• If you are in your car, close windows and turn off vents and air conditioning.