Emergency Evacuation/Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-in-Place

If there is a release of hazardous materials or a terrorist attack involving chemical, biological, or radiological agents, you may be directed by local officials to stay inside (shelter-in-place). If directed to shelter-in-place:

- Go inside immediately

- Turn off ventilation, fans, and close the fireplace damper

- Close and lock doors and windows

- Seal door thresholds with wet towels

- Seal all openings with tape and plastic sheeting

- Monitor TV or radio

- Don’t smoke or have an open flame

- Stay off the phone

Instructions to shelter-in-place are usually only for a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that you will run out of oxygen. Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe to go outside.

Evacuation

NOTE: Circumstances will dictate what routes can be used for safe evacuation and where to go for shelter.

If officials instruct you to evacuate, do so immediately! Circumstances will dictate what routes can be used for safe evacuation and where to go for shelter. Local officials will direct you to the safest evacuation routes and shelters.

If directed to evacuate, take the following items:

- Medical supplies: prescription medications and dentures

- Family emergency kit: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, food, bottled water

- Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or blankets and pillow for each household member

- Money, checkbook, and/or credit cards

- Car keys (ensure your car is at least half-full of gas at all times)

- Important papers: wills, deeds, marriage and birth certificates, insurance, deeds/leases, social security card, driver’s license/ID card, stocks, bonds

Local officials will provide information on television and radio as to what action you need to take. Follow their instructions regarding shelter-in-place and evacuation and other emergency actions before, during, and after an emergency.