Make a Shelter-in-Place Plan:

There may be situations when it’s best to stay where you are to avoid any uncertainty outside. There are other circumstances, such as a chemical incident or during a tornado when specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. You should understand the different threats and plan for all possibilities.

Tornado Warning: Determine where you will take shelter during a tornado. Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If an underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris. Stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

“Seal the Room”: If local authorities believe the air is badly contaminated with a chemical, you may be instructed to take shelter and “seal the room.” The process used to seal the room is considered a temporary protective measure to create a barrier between your people and potentially contaminated air outside. It is a type of sheltering that requires preplanning.

Start by identifying where you will go if you are instructed to “seal the room.” If feasible, choose an interior room, such as a break room or conference room, with as few windows and doors as possible. If your business is located on more than one floor or in more than one building, identify multiple shelter locations.

To “seal the room” effectively, close the business and bring everyone inside. Then, lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers. Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems. Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated.

Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. Measure and cut the sheeting in advance to save time. Finally, be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you create a barrier between yourself and any contamination. Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.