In a disaster, you may receive instructions from local officials to shelter in place. If this happens:
- Bring family and pets inside.
- Lock doors, close windows, air vents, fireplace dampers, and turn off fans and ventilation systems (i.e. air conditioners and furnaces).
- Get your family preparedness kit and emergency plan that includes how your family will communicate if sheltering in separate geographic locations. Consider designating an out-of-town family member as a central point of contact; as out-of-town calls may be easier to place during disasters.
- Choose a small interior room with few or, if possible, no windows.
- Use duct tape and heavy plastic sheeting to seal all windows, doors and air vents into the room.
- Be prepared to use what you have and improvise to seal gaps to create a barrier between yourself and any contamination.
- Monitor local radio and TV for information, updates, instructions, and an all-clear notification.
- Some disasters may necessitate having a two-week supply of food, water and prescription medications due to possible store closings or supply shortages.
- Maintain a family preparedness portable kit with food and water for your vehicle in the event you are stranded on the road and must shelter in place.
Click here to get a kit & make a plan