Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it's simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside.When evacuation to shelters is either inappropriate or impossible, officials may instruct you to stay where you are. This could be as simple as remaining at home while officials clear hazards from a nearby area. If you must Shelter in Place:
Identify a room with few doors or windows to shelter in place. Ideally, the room should be above street level, allow enough room for everyone in your household, have access to water supply and bathroom facilities, and have a phone jack.
Act quickly and follow instructions. Your main objective should be to get to a safe indoor location.
Close and lock all windows and doors, and close fireplace dampers.
Turn off all heating and cooling systems such as air conditioners and window exhaust fans.
Listen to KYW 1060 AM radio for further instructions.
Make use of your Shelter in Place Kit.
Only seal doors and windows when instructed to do so by emergency officials. If instructed, cover cracks along doors and windows with tape, wet rags or towels.
Keep your pets with you.
If you are disabled or need medical attention, call 9-1-1 to let the Police and Fire Departments know you need special help.
Follow all instructions that officials tell you to do, such as covering your mouth and nose with a wet cloth or handkerchief.
Make a Shelter in Place Kit.
Keep enough supplies in your home to get by on your own for at least three days. Keep your Kit in a special place in your home, where you can get to it easily.
Tell everyone in your house that these supplies are for emergencies only.
Check the expiration dates of food and batteries in your Shelter in Place Kit when you change your clocks for daylight-saving times.
Items for Your Shelter in Place Kit:
A three-day supply of drinking water (one gallon per person per day)
Food that will not perish easily, ready-to-eat canned foods
Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (You can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries.)
Whistle to signal for help
Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach. (Use tablets for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials.) Use an eyedropper for adding bleach to water.
Personal care items: soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, feminine products, toilet paper and wipes.
A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications
Phone that does not need electricity (just plugs into a phone jack)
Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
An extra pair of glasses
Officials will notify you by radio when the emergency is over. Only then should you open all doors and windows to let fresh air into your home.
