Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-in-Place procedures may be required for a variety of reasons to respond to a natural or man-made hazard, disaster, or accident. The local Fire, Police, Emergency First Responders, or Incident Commander is responsible for determining when the public needs to Shelter-in-Place.

The following are the basic Sheltering-in-Place steps. In an emergency, please follow the Sheltering-in-Place steps below in order.

At Home

1. Move everyone inside (including pets), shut and lock all doors and windows
2. Turn off heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems
3. Move everyone to the designated sheltering room(s), further inside the house
4. Bring water, cell-phones, snacks and flashlights into the room
5. Ensure room has wired phone, radio w/batteries and/or a TV
6. Seal any windows, vents, door cracks and other openings with plastic and duct tape
7. Turn on the TV or radio. Wait for further instructions and the "All Clear" signal to be given
8. After "All Clear" is given, check for any injuries or illness and unseal room
9. Turn on heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems
10. Open appropriate doors and windows to properly air out the house
11. Report any injuries, illness or damages to authorities

Outside or Driving

1. If moving, pull to the side of the road and shut off vehicle
2. Get everyone inside the vehicle (including pets), shut and lock all doors, roll up the windows
3. Turn off all the vents, heating or air conditioning systems in the vehicle
4. Turn on radio. Wait for further instructions and "All Clear" signal to be given.
5. When "All Clear" signal is given. Open windows and vents to air out vehicle.

At Work

1. Move everyone inside (including visitors), shut and lock all doors and windows
2. Designate 2 two people to each of the following tasks
   • Turn off heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems
   • Move everyone to the designated sheltering room(s) (Plan for those with special needs)
   • Bring water, cell-phones, snacks and flashlights into the room
   • Ensure room has wired phone, radio w/batteries and/or a TV
   • Take accountability of employees and visitors
3. Seal any windows or vents with plastic and duct tape
4. Seal openings around doors and other areas with duct tape
5. Turn on the TV or radio and wait for further instructions
6. Wait for the "All Clear" signal to be given
7. After "All Clear", take accountability and un-seal room
8. Turn on heating, air conditioning and ventilation system
9. Open appropriate doors and windows
10. Report any injuries or damages to authorities
11. Resume normal business

Shelter-in-Place Kit

Shelter-in-Place kits should include:

1. Radio w/Batteries
2. First Aid Kit
3. Flashlight
4. Pre-cut Plastic
5. Duct Tape
6. Scissors
7. Bottled Water
8. Cell Phone
9. Snacks
10. Necessary Individual Medication
11. Emergency No. ’s