Prepare ahead of time to shelter in place

    Times of disaster or emergency may require you to seek shelter in your home, place of employment or other location for protection. The situation may include staying with friends and relatives, seeking commercial lodging or staying in a disaster mass care facility. The safest locations to seek shelter will depend on the hazard. Assess the situation using local media information from television, radio or the internet.
    Local authorities will give information about the immediate danger and give suggestions of how to take shelter or if and when to evacuate. Depending on the circumstances, you may have to seek shelter for a short period of time, such as during a tornado, or longer, for a winter storm or pandemic. Preparing ahead of time may include preparing for food and water needs. There are general guidelines to be aware of ahead of time.
Home
    — Close and lock all windows and doors.
    — Go to interior room. For threatening weather conditions, pick a structure with a room that has strong walls, roof and door, with few windows. Make sure you are in a structure that cannot be overturned or uplifted. The basement is best for weather emergencies, such as tornadoes.
    — Bring emergency kits/supplies, including all medicines. You may be there for a period of time.
    — Bring pets with you and supplies for them.
    — Bring a radio to keep informed.
    — In a contaminant emergency, it is best to be inside a room above ground with the fewest number of windows. Shut off fans, air conditioning and heating, and close the fireplace damper. Cover cracks in windows with duct tape and precut plastic.
Work
    — Close the business. Secure emergency supplies for shelter location.
    — Secure all doors and windows.
    — Bring everyone into the internal shelter room. Include any clients or customers.
    — Ask everyone to call their emergency contact and let them know where you are and status.
    — Write down the names and emergency contacts of everyone in the room.

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