During a Disaster - Shelter in Place

One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency is to shelter-in-place to protect you from chemical contamination or other outdoor hazards.

If you are told to shelter-in-place:

• Go in… Stay in… Tune in…
• Take your children and pets indoors immediately. (While gathering your family, you can provide a minimal amount of protection to your breathing by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth.)
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems
• Close the fireplace damper
• Go to an above ground room (not the basement) with the fewest windows and doors
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit and a radio with you
• Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors
• Use duct tape to seal the cracks around doors and windows
• Cover any exhaust fans or vents using plastic sheeting or garbage bags
• Listen to your radio or television for further instructions or updates
• Remain inside until you are told it is safe

If in your car:

• Pull over to the side of the road
• Turn off the engine
• Close windows and vents
• If possible, seal the heating/air conditioning vents with duct tape
• Listen to the radio regularly for updated advice and instructions
• Stay where you are until you are told it is safe to get back on the road