A sudden emergency can force emergency officials to ask you to take immediate action to protect yourselves and your families. You may be asked to shelter in place or to evacuate. Here's what to do:
Shelter In Place
In-place sheltering means protecting yourself where you are and staying there until given further instructions or the all-clear. If you are asked to shelter in place, here's what to do:
Remain calm.
Go inside if you are outdoors.
Do not call 911 unless you are reporting an immediate life-threatening situation.
Children in schools or day care centers will take shelter where they are located and will stay indoors.
Close all windows and doors. Tape obvious cracks or gaps for extra protection.
Close all vents on cooling, heating or ventilating systems. Cover cracks under doors with damp towels.
If you have a fireplace, put out the fire and close the damper.
Move to an interior room or hallway with no windows or doors to the outside.
Keep pets indoors.
Listen carefully to a portable radio for instructions from emergency officials.
If you are in a car, close windows and vents.
Evacuation
Evacuating means leaving the area that is affected by the potential hazard. Sometimes a chemical accident, such as an overturned tanker truck, will force people from their homes for health and safety reasons. If you are asked to evacuate, here's what to do:
Remain calm.
Listen carefully to the instructions you are given and be sure you are in an area that is being evacuated.
If told to evacuate, do so!
Do not use the phone except to dial 911 in a life-threatening situation.
Take your"Disaster Supplies Kit" with you.
DO NOT go to your children's school. If they are in the evacuation area they will be taken care of. They will probably be gone by the time you get there.
Close and lock windows and doors.
Turn off all fans, heating and cooling units.
Bring pets indoors and leave food and water for them. Remember, pets ARE NOT allowed in emergency shelters!
Keep vehicle windows and vents closed while evacuating.
Follow instructions of emergency personnel along evacuation routes.
Stay tuned to radio and television for further instructions from emergency officials.
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