If Told to Shelter-in-Place

For all emergencies requiring Shelter-in-Place be sure to:

• Go indoors to your designated shelter-in-place room/area.
• Make sure all family members and pets are with you.
• Bring your emergency supply kit with you.
• Don’t use gas, propane, or kerosene appliances; vapors might be toxic.
• Listen to your radio or TV for emergency information.
• Stay indoors until given the “all clear” signal or other instructions.

Hurricanes or Tornadoes

• Seek shelter in an interior room in the center of your residence. It should be a room without windows such as a hall closet.
• Protect yourself with a mattress or other padding as necessary.
• Do not leave the safety of the interior room. Flying debris has been known to penetrate walls, tree trunks, and shutters. Stay tuned to the media for the progress of a hurricane because a calm outside may not mean the storm is over—it might just be the eye of the hurricane passing over.
• If you live in a high-rise building, move to the interior (preferably a stairwell or hallway) below the 10th floor. The winds are stronger at higher elevations.
• Leave a clear path and accessible exit in case of fire.
• Take extra caution with light sources. Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns. Do not use open candles or gas lanterns.

Chemical/Hazardous Material Releases

• Close and lock windows, doors, and vents (locking provides a tighter seal).
• Turn OFF air ventilation systems (window/attic fans, air conditioners, etc.).
  Close the fireplace damper.
• Go to an aboveground interior room (not the basement, unless otherwise instructed) or the room with the fewest windows, doors, and vents.
• Apply duct tape around the door, closing off the crack between the door and door jamb. If flooring material or the size of the space makes duct tape ineffective under the door, wet some towels and jam them in the crack.
• Use heavy plastic (heavy garbage bags are okay) and duct tape to cover and seal off windows, outlets, heat registers, exhaust fans, and vents.
• Close the window shades, blinds, or curtains. To avoid injury in case of explosion, stay away from the windows.

Wildfire

• Sheltering-in-place during wildfires does not typically require a designated shelter-in-place room. Simply stay indoors at home, school, or the office as directed.
• Close windows, doors, and vents.
• Turn ON air conditioning or air filtration systems if possible.
• Keep a damp cloth for everyone in the house in case of heavy smoke. Breathe through the cloth as necessary.
• Have your emergency supply kit ready in case you have to leave quickly. Fires can change direction quickly and may threaten your home.

Radiation Releases

The government has established strict guidelines to ensure your safety in the unlikely event of an emergency at a nuclear power plant. Emergency officials will provide timely, accurate information and instructions. Sheltering-in-place for other types of radiation releases (e.g., from a terrorist act) follows similar guidelines.

• Close and lock windows, doors, and vents (locking provides a tighter seal).
• Turn OFF air ventilation systems (window/attic fans, etc.). Air conditioners can remain on if the air exchange vents are closed.
• Close the fireplace damper.
• Go to the basement, if possible, or to an interior room with the fewest windows, doors, and vents.
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting to cover and seal off doors, windows, outlets, heat registers, exhaust fans, and vents.
• Cover or refrigerate food.

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