Shelter-In-Place (SIP)

Sheltering in place may be necessary during hazardous material incidents. Staying inside and securing doors, windows, and ventilation systems can help protect you from outdoor hazards until authorities determine it is safe to leave. While exposure may not be altogether eliminated, the goal of SIP is to reduce the concentration or dose to which an individual might be exposed to any potential hazards.

how to shelter-in-place:

1. Get everybody, including pets, inside quickly.
2. Close all windows, doors, and fireplace dampers.
3. Take additional measures to seal off any drafts or gaps – wetted towels placed at door thresholds, windowsills, and over vents will further help to block anything from getting in your home or workplace.
4. Turn off any air intakes – yes, that means turning off the air conditioning in the summer and turning off the heat in the winter. Turn all HVAC systems to “off.” Close all vents. 
5. Plan to stay inside until the “all clear” is given.

shelter-in-place don’ts:

• Do NOT go into your basement. Why not? Releases that are lighter than air will likely just dissipate into the atmosphere. Fumes that are heavier than air pose a greater threat in that if they do get into your house they would accumulate at lower levels.
• Do NOT call 911 or other emergency services unless you have an active crisis. 911 operators and local responders already know about the shelter-in-place, do not try and seek additional information from 911. You can tune to local officials and trusted news outlets for updates. Additionally, you wouldn’t want to put emergency responders in harm’s way if not absolutely necessary.
• Do NOT go to schools to pick up children. If necessary, children at affected schools will be sheltered there. Do not go out to pick up children unless advised to do so by local authorities.
• Do NOT try to outrun a release by car. You don’t know the direction or extent of a plume, and you may get caught in traffic without resources. Additionally, it won’t help to have many vehicles in an urgent rush on the road at this time. Home is safest for this limited time period while the emergency responders are actively working to mitigate and stop the release.
• Do NOT go outside “to check.” Odor is not a reliable measure of toxicity. Some toxic chemicals may be odorless, tasteless, and colorless. Wait until the “all clear” is issued by the authorities.
• Do NOT take the dog out (or “let” the dog out). Don’t compromise the security of your house by opening doors, and don’t endanger the dog or yourself.
• Don’t panic. Shelter-in-place orders are often issued as a precautionary measure. Be confident that everything you are doing to reduce exposure is helping.