REDCROSSALBQ.ORG

SHELTERING IN PLACE

In certain disaster situations, you may be asked by emergency management officials to 'shelter in place' rather than to evacuate your home to seek shelter in an alternate location.  So that you can safely shelter in place in the event you receive an advisory to do so, below is information on what you and your family need to have on hand to be prepared.

SHELTER IN PLACE SUPPLIES:
  • A roll of duct tape (usually silver in color, with a fabric mesh) for sealing cracks, vents, ducts, and doors
  • Heavy plastic sheeting (in the event an additional layer of sealant is needed when sealing vents, ducts, or other openings
  • Disaster supplies kit - click here for a complete list of the supplies needed in this kit.  If you have pets, remember their needs as well - click here for information on preparing a pet disaster supply kit
  • An evacuation plan for your family, that is practiced and communicated to all family members - click here for information on creating a plan.  Ensure that your plan covers things such as contact with your child's school in the event of an emergency.
  • Review other safety and preparedness information your family will need ahead of time - click here to review the complete list of preparedness information
  • Keep a well-stocked and up to date first aid kit on hand with your disaster supplies, and make sure that you know how to administer emergency first aid and/or CPR under disaster conditions where help may be delayed in reaching you.  To view the current schedule of training, click here.

WHEN you area advised by local officials to 'shelter in place', take the following precautions:
  • Remain inside your home or office.
  • Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
  • Turn off all fans, heating, and air conditioning systems.
  • Close fireplace dampers.
  • Locate your disaster supplies kit and make sure that the radio is working.
  • Take your kit, your radio, and all family members and go to an interior room (without windows) that is above ground level.  (Some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements, even if the windows are closed.)
  • Using duct tape, seal all cracks around the door and seal any vents into the room.
  • Remain in place and keep listening to your radio or television until you are told that all is safe or you are told to evacuate to an alternate location.  (Local officials may call for an evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.)

NOTE: Always keep a shut-off valve wrench near the gas and water shut-off valves in your home.

 

VISIT OUR FAMILY SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION!



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Last Updated: 06/15/2006