Shelter-In-Place

Before a Shelter-In-Place is Ordered

Gather your supplies before a shelter-in-place emergency. You will not have time to purchase materials during the incident. 

You will need:

• Plastic sheeting: 2-4 mil thickness minimum, 4 mil thickness or greater recommended by FEMA
• Strong tape such as duct tape (do not use "Scotch-Tape" style desk tape)
• Scissors
• Ladder or step stool as appropriate for your residence or business

Determine what room you will use to shelter-in-place. Try to find an interior room with few windows, doors, and vents. Remember that you may need to be in there for several hours. Make sure there is enough space for your household. 

Pre-cut your plastic sheeting several inches wider than the openings and label each sheet.

Store in a container or box with a pair of scissors and strong tape.

If necessary, make sure there is a step stool or ladder nearby to reach ceiling vents or tall windows. 

During a Shelter-In-Place

1. Shelter

• Go inside your home or nearest building.
• Bring in pets and children who may be outside.
• Grab your emergency kit and place it in your designated shelter-in-place room.

2. Shut and Seal

If the shelter-in-place is due to a contaminant or dangerous substance outside,

• Close and lock all vents, windows, and doors to create a better seal.
• Turn off the heater, air conditioner, and exhaust fans. Make sure the fireplace damper is closed (extinguish any fires before closing the damper). 
• Seal up all windows, doors, and vents with your plastic sheeting supplies. Follow instructions from first responders and government officials.
• If you don't have plastic sheeting, you can use garbage bags and tarps.
• If you know of anyone who may be coming to your home, workplace, or other location you are sheltered in, try to message or call them to let them know to avoid the area. This includes household members who are away from home or coworkers who may be on their way to work.

If the shelter-in-place is due to a physical danger like an active attacker, close and lock all doors and windows, and close all window coverings.

3. Stay Informed

• Monitor AC Alert and Genasys Protect for additional information.
• Tune in to your radio or television news channel.
• Government officials and first responders may have specific instructions for your neighborhood to help keep you safe depending on the nature of the emergency and source of hazard.
• Avoid making unnecessary phone calls to keep lines free for emergency responders and those who need to contact emergency services with a life-threating condition.

After a Shelter-In-Place

Wait until first responders or government officials have given the all-clear to exit your building. Pay attention to any instructions they may have for you. 

If you are ordered to evacuate, there may be instructions for a specific route out of the neighborhood to avoid contaminants.

If the emergency is over, follow instructions on how to dispose of your plastic sheeting in a safe manner. Depending on the type of hazard, you may be able to dispose of plastic sheeting in your regular trash. Please check to see if there are any special instructions for disposing contaminated items.

Make sure you ventilate your entire home or business when told it is safe to do so.

You may be instructed to rinse off exterior surfaces and walkways or dispose of edible produce in your home gardens.