Step 9: Learn How to “Shelter-In-Place”
In the event of an emergency, such as the accidental or intentional release of dangerous goods into the atmosphere (e.g., chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear contaminants), persons in the threatened area may be instructed to shelter-in-place.
What is Shelter-in-Place?
- Unlike seeking refuge at a shelter outside of your home or place of work, as might occur during an evacuation, shelter-in-place is a precaution to help keep you safe by remaining indoors.
How will I be notified?
- Typically by the media.
- Alternately, emergency services might drive through your neighbourhood and provide instructions over a loud speaker or by going door-to-door.
- Some municipalities have installed public alerting systems, such as sirens, tone-alert radios, and automated phone calling. Please contact the local Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) for information on any such systems in the community in which you work.
What should I do if at work?
- If instructed by local officials to shelter-in-place, close and lock all windows and exterior doors. If there is danger of an explosion, close all window coverings (e.g., shades, blinds, curtains). Also turn off all fans, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems and close any fireplace dampers.
- If possible, take refuge in a small, interior room, with no or few windows. In case of a chemical threat, an above ground location is preferable, as chemicals heavier than air may seep into the basement even with the windows closed.
- Although most shelter-in-place orders usually last only a few hours, take your workplace emergency survival kit into the room with you so you and your employees have a supply of food, bottled water, first aid supplies and medications on hand.
- Have a working radio available so you can listen to the media to know when it’s safe to come out or if you will need to evacuate the area.
- Try to have a hard-wired telephone inside the room in which you are seeking shelter. This will provide a backup to any cellular equipment you may have.
- Avoid using the telephone unless you are reporting an emergency or it is absolutely necessary. Emergency responders and those who need immediate emergency assistance will need all available lines.
