Shelter in Place
Sometimes the best thing to do in an emergency is stay where you are. That's certainly the case with some hazardous materials events. If a refinery malfunction, tanker truck crash or other industrial accident releases airborne hazardous materials, leaving your house to evacuate could expose you to dangerous toxins. Instead, learn how to shelter in place and protect yourself.
What is "Shelter in Place?"
Shelter in Place is a term that refers to creating a safe environment where you are to protect from an expolsure to hazardous materials. With just a few supplies and some simple steps, you can make your home a temporary shelter if a hazardous release occurs in your neighborhood.
Supplies
- Duct tape
- Plastic sheeting
- Towel
- Radio
How to Shelter in Place
The goal is to temporarily seal yourself inside one room of your house until the hazard has disipated. Here's the process:
- Close all doors and windows of your home
- Turn off ventilation systems: heating, air conditioning, fireplace dampers
- Go into a room with minimal doors and windows
- Dampen towels and place over the cracks under doors
- Tape the gaps around the door
- Listen to the radio for news updates - Our local news station is AM 790
- Remain in your sealed shelter until you are told it is safe to come out
