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Other Emergency
Preparedness Information
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Sheltering In-Place
Evacuation is not always the safest
option in the event of a hazardous material or other type of emergency. Your
home or workplace can be a safe haven from an emergency.
Up-front preparations will help.
"Sheltering In-Place" or "Protecting
In-Place" means staying inside your home or other building until emergency officials
give an "all-clear" signal.
Sheltering In-place can be your safest
option in some emergencies. Sheltering In-Place is most commonly used for hazardous
material emergencies but can also be used during some storms and some police
emergencies where evacuation and exposure to the outside can be life-threatening.
Sheltering In-Place preparations complement
your other family emergency preparedness efforts.
Sheltering In-Place supplies . . .
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries,
battery powered or cellular phone (if no phone in room)
- Snack foods, water or drinks, pet foods
- Plastic sheeting for windows, doors, air vents
or other opening.
- You may want to pre-cut and label them Rolls
of duct tape for the plastic sheeting
- Towel for under the door First Aid Kit
Prepare your home before . . .
- Choose a room for a "safe-room": Ideally, the
room has few windows, large enough to hold the number of people you wish and
has access to water. A bedroom with an adjoining bath is a great place.
- Prepare window coverings: Windows should be sealed
to prevent hazards from entering. Measure windows and skylights - cut plastic
(adding 6" to the borders) to be placed over the windows. Label the sheets
for each window.
- For a serious wind condition think about
something heavier to guard against broken glass entering the room (wood,
heavy cardboard, even a mattress).
- Prepare vent and door coverings: Like the windows,
measure each air vent, door and any other opening leading outside the room.
Cut, label and store plastic sheeting.
- Assemble shelter in-place supplies: Your supplies
should be stored in the pre-designated room. An under-the-bed box may work
well or use a container that fits on a closet shelf or in a cabinet.