It is important to listen to Emergency Officials during a disaster because directions they give will likely save your life. One direction Emergency Officials may give is to "Shelter-in-Place." This is likely advised during a hazardous incident. Shelter-in-place should only be enacted when directed by emergency officials.
Know what to do to Shelter-in-Place:
Pick out a designated interior "safe room" ahead of time. This room should have the fewest doors and windows.
Your emergency supplies should be stored inside your safe room or be easily accessible nearby.
If directed by emergency officials to shelter-in-place, go inside immediately and close all doors and windows.
Cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.
Turn off ventilation systems. Close fireplace dampers.
Go to your safe room and use plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal all windows, doors, and vents.
Dampen towels and place in the crack under the door.
Listen for Emergency Alert System messages on radio or television outlets.
Wait for additional instructions. Emergency officials will tell you when it is safe to air out your building.
Know where to go if Shelter-in-Place order is issued:
If at home, work or school: stay inside and shelter-in-place.
If outdoors, go into a building or vehicle and shelter-in-place.
If in a parked car, shelter-in-place inside the vehicle. Do not start the engine. Close all doors, windows, events, and ventilation systems. Turn your radio on to listen for Emergency Alert System messages.
If driving, continue to do so unless otherwise directed by emergency officials or traffic control. Shelter-in-place as you would for a parked vehicle. If your vehicle stalls, do not restart the engine.
