When evacuation to shelters is either inappropriate or impossible, you may be
asked to stay where you are. This could be as simple as remaining at home while
officials clear hazards from a nearby area, or it could require more active
measures during emergencies involving contaminated air.
Identify a room with few doors or windows to shelter in place.
Ideally the room should allow at least 10 square feet per person.
When officials advise you to shelter in place, act quickly and
follow instructions. Your main objective should be to get to a safe indoor
location. You will likely be in your "safe room" for no
more than a few hours. Once inside:
If there is time, close and lock all windows and doors, close
fireplace dampers.
Tune in to local radio or TV stations to receive updates from
emergency officials.
Only seal doors and windows when instructed to do so by
emergency officials.
If your children are at school, do not pick them up until the
danger has passed and shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. School officials
have shelter-in-place procedures. You will only endanger yourself by leaving a
safe area during the emergency.
