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How to Shelter-in-Place.
One of the basic instructions you may be given in a chemical emergency is to shelter-in-place. This is a
precaution to keep you and your family safe while remaining in your home.
• Go indoors immediately.
• Go into a room with the fewest doors and windows.
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit with you.
• Seal gaps and cracks under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape.
• Listen to local radio or television stations, or a NOAA Weather Radio, for instructions.
• If time permits, close off nonessential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms, and extra
bedrooms.
• Seal gaps around air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and stove and dryer
vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper, or aluminum wrap.
• Stay in the room and listen to your radio or television until you are told all is safe, or you are told to
evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.
Following the advice 0f local authorities is your safest choice.
• If you are told there is danger 0f explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains. To avoid
injury, stay away from the windows. If windows break due to the explosion, the shades will help
prevent glass from shattering into your home.
• You can provide a minimal amount of breathing protection by covering your mouth and nose with a
damp cloth. Many chemicals can cause damage to breathing passages.
• Immediately after the shelter-in-place announcement, fill bathtubs or large containers for an
additional water supply, and turn off the intake valve to the house. Water supplies may become
contaminated. Preserve the water you have available.
• Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated. Injury may occur from eating
or drinking toxic chemicals.