What is sheltering in place?
Sheltering in place offers immediate protection for a short time in your home or other building. Under many circumstances, sheltering in place is the best way to protect yourself from a hazard and is a safer alternative than evacuation.
Why you might need to shelter in place?
Potentially hazardous events that might occur in South Florida include:
- Hurricanes or Tornadoes
- Chemical/Hazardous material releases. (E.g, from an industrial accident or act terrorism)
- Wildfires
- Radiation release (E.g, from a nuclear power plant incident or act of terrorism)
How you would know to shelter in place?
State or county officials will issue an emergency alert on radio or TV that instructs the public to shelter in place.
- Listen to the radio or TV for updates.
- Emergency alert system messages will announce appropriate protective measures.
How can you be prepared?
- Prepare a family emergency plan. Include plans for sheltering in place, evacuation, communicating with your family and caring for your pets.
- Learn about local warning sirens (including those of a local nuclear power plant if you live within the emergency planning zone).
- Choose a room in which to shelter. It should be an interior room with few or no windows, doors, or vents.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit.
- Know which local radio and TV stations broadcast emergency information.
Additional Tips
- Know what you are able to do yourself and what you will need assistance with in an emergency.
- Create a list of people you trust who can assist you.
- Post emergency numbers.
- Have a plan to signal your need for help (e.g., hanging something on a door, blowing a whistle, medical alert system, etc.)
- If you have home health care service, plan with your agency for emergency procedures.
- If you need assistance with daily living or are electrically dependent, register with your county’s emergency evacuation assistance program.
How to Shelter in Place:
- Go indoors to your designated shelter-in-place room, and close and lock windows, doors and vents.
- Make sure family members and pet are with you.
- Bring your emergency supply kit.
- For a hurricane or tornado, protect yourself with a mattress or padding.
- For a wildfire, turn ON air conditioners, and ventilation systems, and breathe trough a damp clothe.
- For a chemical, radiological, or biological threat, use plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal OFF windows, doors, and vents. Turn off fan and air conditioner.
- Do not use gas, propane, or kerosene appliances. Vapors might be toxic.
- Listen to the radio and TV for emergency updates.
- Stay indoors until authorities give the “all clear” signal or other instructions.
Download this basic needs and supplies checklist:
