Unfortunately there are many reasons in the society that we live in today that might require us to take the protective actions of taking shelter or evacuating from our homes.  There are two differing procedures that you may be asked to do in an emergency situation like this. Remember, if we advise you to evacuate or shelter in place, we are doing so because we are concerned for your, health, safety, and yes, your life. It is your choice but it is strongly recommended that you follow these procedures when implemented.

   Shelter-In-Place, means to seek immediate shelter and remain there during a chemical emergency rather than evacuate the area. There are occasions when the option to evacuate the area is not considered (e.g., a time constraint, or when evacuation would subject you to greater risk). Unless otherwise instructed to evacuate, sheltering in a pre-determined safe location in your home or place of work is the preferred method of safely waiting out a hazardous materials release. In place sheltering usually lasts no more than one-to-two hours and preparations, made in advance, can ensure that the event is as comfortable as possible.

    The decision to shelter in place or evacuate is usually made by local emergency management personnel or a representative of the chemical facility experiencing the release. It is a good idea for you, if you live near a chemical facility, to make contact with the facility to find out what chemicals they may have on hand and what plans are in place to handle a chemical spill. In many cases, facilities have procedures in place to notify you in the event of a chemical release.

    If you are asked to shelter in place, here is a list of what to do:

• First, remain calm.

• If you are outdoors go inside immediately (an interior room without windows is preferable).

• Do not call 9-1-1 unless you are reporting an immediate life-threatening situation.

• Do not attempt to get your children from their school or day care center. Staff members are trained to protect your children and will institute shelter-in-place procedures where they are located.

• Next, close all windows and doors. Place pre-cut plastic sheeting over windows, and tape in place.

• Close all outside air vents. Turn off cooling, heating or ventilating systems. Cover cracks under doors with damp towels. If you have a fireplace, put out the fire and close the damper.

• Tape cracks and other openings such as electrical outlets and cable television outlets for extra protection.

• Keep pets indoors.

• Lastly, listen carefully to a portable radio for instructions from emergency officials.

 

  Assemble your own Shelter-In-Place kit to aid you when the need arises. A simple kit can be assembled relatively inexpensively (usually under $50.00) with the following items:

• A roll of plastic sheeting, precut to fit any windows in the room.

• A roll of duct tape.

• Bath towels to place under any openings in doorways (dampen towels first).

• A battery-operated radio, with extra batteries, tuned to the local Emergency Alert Station (EAS).

• Bottled water and some sort of snack food.

    For businesses please read shelterinplace.pdf.  This Adobe file provides information and procedures for businesses in regards to shelter-in-place.