Emergency Preparedness: Shelter-in-Place
Posted on Tue, Aug 04, 2009 @ 07:29 AM
By Craig Childres, General Manager
In most instances when faced with a chemical or natural occurring emergency, the safest place is your current location. That is the concept of Shelter-In-Place. There are an increased number of accidents that occur traveling to or away from the emergency. Follow these simple guidelines to protect yourself and others.
- Prepare a Shelter-In-Place kit that includes a battery operated radio, flashlight, cell phone, duct tape, plastic sheeting, towels, non-perishable food, bottled water and a basic first aid kit.
- Stay calm and tune the radio to your local Emergency Alert System.
- Listen and follow all instructions given.
- Do not evacuate your location unless instructed to do so. Go to your designated Shelter-in-Place location. For natural disasters lower levels are better. For chemical emergencies, typically higher levels are better since most chemicals are heavier than air.
- Bring pets inside, if safe to do so, and have food & water for them.
- Close all doors, windows, vents and shut off A/C, heat and fans.
- Seal all cracks and seams around doors and windows with the tape, plastic and wet towels. Make sure to check and seal the ceiling if there is attic access.
- Call 9-1-1 if you become sick or injured. This is the only time you should use your phone. Phone lines need to stay open for emergency responders.
- Do not go to the scene of the emergency.
- Do not contact or go to the schools to retrieve children. Schools are also trained for Shelter-In-Place.
- Stay in the location you are in until instructed by emergency personnel of the all clear.