Sheltering in Place
The Threat of Chemical Agents
Chemical agents are poinsonous gases, liquids or solids that have toxic effects on people, animals and plants. Chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants may be released accidentally or intentionally into the environment. Most chemical agents cause serious injuries or death. Severity of injury depends on the type and amount of the chemical agent used, and the duration of exposure. Were a chemical agent attack to occur, local authorities would instruct the public to do one of two things:
EVACUATION means to leave the area of actual or potential hazard. Emergency managers carefully develop plans and procedures for evacuation to avoid confusion and get people out of an area safely and quickly. If the order is to evacuate, do so immediately and carefully follow all directions. DO NOT wander around but know where you are going and how to get there.
Click here for more information on creating an evacuation plan for your family.
Guidelines for Sheltering In Place
The most important thing for you to do is follow the instructions of local authorities and know what to do if they advise you to shelter-in-place.
Remember that instructions to shelter-in-place are usually provided for durations of a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that the room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen and you will suffocate.
Remember this rule of thumb
Ten square feet of floor space per person
will provide sufficient air to prevent carbon dioxide
build-up for up to five hours.
If the order is to remain in your home, office or school, you will need to follow these directions:
How to Seal a Room
There is no assistance that the UNTRAINED can offer victims of a chemical attack that
would likely be of any value to them.
If You Think You Have Been Exposed to a Chemical Agent
If you were outside before taking shelter and think you may have been exposed to a chemical agent, there are several things you can do.
Sheltering in Place Checklist (BELOW)
information on Sheltering in Place when you're not at home (Below)
Information provided by the Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division Camp Murray, Washington Pierce County, Washington Department of Emergency Management Whatcom County, Washington Department of Emergency Management
Chemical agents are poinsonous gases, liquids or solids that have toxic effects on people, animals and plants. Chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants may be released accidentally or intentionally into the environment. Most chemical agents cause serious injuries or death. Severity of injury depends on the type and amount of the chemical agent used, and the duration of exposure. Were a chemical agent attack to occur, local authorities would instruct the public to do one of two things:
- Evacuate immediately.
- Shelter in Place.
- An unusual smell or sound, such as an explosion.
- Visible smoke, fire, or a vapor cloud.
- Skin or eye irritation.
- Breathing difficulty.
EVACUATION means to leave the area of actual or potential hazard. Emergency managers carefully develop plans and procedures for evacuation to avoid confusion and get people out of an area safely and quickly. If the order is to evacuate, do so immediately and carefully follow all directions. DO NOT wander around but know where you are going and how to get there.
Click here for more information on creating an evacuation plan for your family.
Guidelines for Sheltering In Place
The most important thing for you to do is follow the instructions of local authorities and know what to do if they advise you to shelter-in-place.
Remember that instructions to shelter-in-place are usually provided for durations of a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that the room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen and you will suffocate.
Remember this rule of thumb
Ten square feet of floor space per person
will provide sufficient air to prevent carbon dioxide
build-up for up to five hours.
If the order is to remain in your home, office or school, you will need to follow these directions:
- Move to or stay inside.
- Close and lock all windows and doors.
- Turn off the ventilation systems (heating, air conditioning, fireplace dampers, fans, etc.).
- Get your family disaster supplies kit and make sure the radio is working.
- Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
- Go into a room with the fewest doors and windows and seal the room (see instructions below). It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select.
- Call your emergency out-of-area contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition.
- Turn on the radio or TV and listen for updates or further instructions from local authorities.
- Stay in this room until local authorities announce that it is safe to come out.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth if necessary.
How to Seal a Room
- Dampen towels and place over the crack under the door.
- Cut plastic sheeting to fit over the windows and vents. Secure the plastic in place with duct tape.
- Tape around the door.
There is no assistance that the UNTRAINED can offer victims of a chemical attack that
would likely be of any value to them.
If You Think You Have Been Exposed to a Chemical Agent
If you were outside before taking shelter and think you may have been exposed to a chemical agent, there are several things you can do.
- If you are in a sealed shelter, take off at least your outer clothes, put them in a plastic bag and seal the bag.
- If water is available, wash or take a cool to warm (not hot) shower, using lots of soap and water. Do not put the soap in your eyes; just use lots of water.
- If you leave the area, tell emergency responders or medical staff at your destination that you may have been exposed.
- Tell the emergency responders about the sealed bag so that they can arrange for its safe removal after the emergency.
Sheltering in Place Checklist (BELOW)
information on Sheltering in Place when you're not at home (Below)
Information provided by the Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division Camp Murray, Washington Pierce County, Washington Department of Emergency Management Whatcom County, Washington Department of Emergency Management
Checklist for Sheltering in Place
First
Create an emergency response plan for Sheltering in Place just like you did for our E-Prep #1 Activity in the event of a fire, earthquake, or any other kind of emergency. Include in the plan the steps you will take to protect yourself and your family. Choose a room, or rooms, where you will Shelter-in-Place.
There are six basics you should stock for your home:
- Water - Select a Shelter-in-Place room that has access to water or store at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days in your Shelter-in-Place room.
- Food - Keep a 3-day supply of food for your family in the pantry at all times or store a 3-day supply of non-perishables in a covered container in your Shelter-in-Place room.
- First aid supplies - including prescription and non-prescription drugs and sanitation supplies. Grab these and take them with you to your Shelter-in-Place room or store them there with your other supplies.
- Clothing and bedding - Grab your Bed Bag/Bug-Out-Bag and take it with you to your Shelter-in-Place room. It should already include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear as well as other important personal necessities and supplies. Keep extra blankets or sleeping bags in your Shelter-in-Place room for warmth as well as sleeping.
- Tools and emergency supplies - Flashlights, extra batteries, emergency radio, at least 2 rolls of duct tape, scissors, plastic sheeting, towels, face masks or wash cloths, Family Disaster Plan notebook with emergency medical and contact information.
- Special items - Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Don't forget to have books or games on hand to help pass the time and make it more enjoyable for everyone.
Second
Make a checklist of what needs to be done before, during and after sheltering-in-place, who will do it and where supplies will be stored.
Third
Next, assign tasks. Each person in the family should have a job for which they are capable and responsible. Refer to The Family Council link in the navigation bar to the left in the Family Preparedness Section for suggestions.
Fourth
Rehearse your Sheltering in Place emergency response plan by incorporating it into your family disaster emergency drill schedule.
What to Do if You're Not at Home
If you are not at home and a hazardous chemical emergency should occur, follow the same steps that are appropriate to take Shelter in Place. Even if you are in your car, just make sure you have all outside vents, windows and doors closed when you Shelter in Place in your vehicle. Never attempt to drive through a gas cloud. Turn on your radio and listen to further instructions.
If you are outside when you detect an emergency, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or cloth. Remember that the chemical is moving with the wind. Don't walk into it or with it. You should move crosswind with the wind at your side. Find shelter as soon as possible. Go inside. Stay inside. And follow the Shelter in Place procedure.
If you are at work, follow the same steps for Sheltering In Place for your home, plus:
If you are not at home and a hazardous chemical emergency should occur, follow the same steps that are appropriate to take Shelter in Place. Even if you are in your car, just make sure you have all outside vents, windows and doors closed when you Shelter in Place in your vehicle. Never attempt to drive through a gas cloud. Turn on your radio and listen to further instructions.
If you are outside when you detect an emergency, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or cloth. Remember that the chemical is moving with the wind. Don't walk into it or with it. You should move crosswind with the wind at your side. Find shelter as soon as possible. Go inside. Stay inside. And follow the Shelter in Place procedure.
If you are at work, follow the same steps for Sheltering In Place for your home, plus:
- Close the business.
- Bring everyone into the selected room(s).
- Shut and lock the door(s).
- If there are customers, clients, or visitors in the building, provide for their safety by asking them to stay – not leave.
- Unless there is an imminent threat, ask employees, customers, clients, and visitors to call their emergency contact to let them know where they are and that they are safe.
- Write down the names of everyone in the room, and call your designated emergency contact to report who is in the room with you, and their affiliation with your business (employee, visitor, client, customer.)