Shelter in place sign

Shelter In Place

One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency is to shelter-in-place. This means you should stay indoors until authorities tell you it is safe or you are told to evacuate.

  • Select a small, interior room, with no or few windows.
  • Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
  • Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
  • Bring your family disaster supply kit and make sure the radio is working.
  • Bring your pets.
  • It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select (cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency)
  • Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
  • Listen to your radio or television for further instructions or updates.
  • If you are in your car, close windows and turn off vents and air conditioning.