What is Shelter-in-Place?

During an emergency, an emergency alert might require the public to shelter-in-place  —that is, to take refuge indoors.  Sheltering-in-place offers immediate protection for a short time in your home or other building.  Under many circumstances, sheltering-in-place is the best way to protect yourself from a hazard and is a safer alternative than evacuation.

Why You Might Need to Shelter-in-Place

Potentially hazardous events that might occur in Miami-Dade County include:

• Hurricanes or tornadoes
• Chemical/hazardous material releases (e.g., from an industrial accident or act of terrorism)
• Wildfires
• Radiation releases (e.g., from a nuclear power plant incident or act of terrorism)

How You Would Know to Shelter-in-Place

Miami-Dade County officials would issue an emergency alert on radio or TV that instructs the public to shelter-in-place.

Listen to the radio or TV for updates because changing conditions could alter recommendations.

During an emergency, Emergency Alert System messages will announce appropriate protective measures.

How to be Prepared

• Know your family's emergency plan. It should address sheltering-in-place and evacuation procedures, communicating with your family, and caring for pets.
• Learn about local warning sirens (including those of a nuclear power plant if you live within the Emergency Planning Zone).
• Know where your family’s shelter-in-place room is.  It should be an interior room with few or no windows, doors, or vents.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit.
• Know which local radio and TV stations broadcast emergency information.
• Designate a contact person out of your area that you and your family will call in an emergency to report where you are and that you are safe.
• If you baby-sit, know the family’s procedures and plans and where their emergency kit and emergency contact information are located.

If Told to Shelter-in-Place at Home

• Go indoors to the designated shelter-in-place room/area. Close and lock windows, doors, and vents.
• Make sure family members and pets are with you.
• Bring your emergency supply kit with you.
• For hurricanes or tornadoes, protect yourself with a mattress or padding.
• For wildfires, turn ON air conditioners/ventilation systems; breathe through a damp cloth.
• For a chemical, radiological, or biological threat, make sure windows and doors are sealed and fans and air conditioners are OFF.
• Don’t burn candles or use gas, propane, or kerosene appliances; vapors might be toxic.
• Use the telephone only for emergencies.
• Listen to the radio or TV for emergency updates.
• Stay indoors until given the “all clear” signal or other instructions

If Told to Shelter-in-Place at School

• Listen and follow instructions given by teachers and other school officials.
• Go indoors to the designated shelter-in-place area. It should be an interior room with few or no windows, doors, or vents.
• Close and lock windows, doors, and vents.
• When possible, call your parents or guardian to let them know you are safe. (Call your out-of-town emergency contact if you can’t reach your parents or guardian.)