Stay calm and be patient, this may not be a comfortable solution, but it may be a lifesaving strategy.
One of the basic instructions you may be given in a chemical, radiological, biological, natural disaster, or active shooter situation is to shelter-in-place. This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining within your work environment.
In the event of any type of emergency, move away from windows as soon as possible, assess the situation quickly, listen to your floor captains, and proceed as directed quickly and calmly to the designated shelter-in-place area. Remember to have your electronic key pass (ie. Datawatch or Kastle) with you at all times.
Notification may come to building occupants from one or more of the following:
- Public address system
- E-mail or Web-Page
- Telephone call tree
- Floor captains
Once at the designated location:
- Do not block any labeled exit door.
- Do not use elevators.
- Stay in place.
Immediately after the shelter-in-place announcement is issued:
- Turn off ventilation systems. Building engineers will secure HVAC system
- The designated Shelter-in-place location is chosen based upon the type of disaster and recommendations of the local authorities. For instance, during a chemical disaster select an above-ground room with the fewest windows and doors. Some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements, even if the windows are closed.
In the event of severe weather (tornados, etc.) it may be better to choose a below ground level room for sheltering in place.
- If possible, take shelter in a room without windows. If this is not possible, pull all window blinds down to create a barrier between you and the glass window. If windows break due to an explosion, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your office. Do not shelter directly next to glass windows.
- If a window is broken all occupants located on effected floor must move immediately to the nearest fire exit stair escape and remain there until further instructions.
- If you are next to an outside window, shelter closest toward the center of the room, away from all windows. This may include doubling up in your neighbor’s workspace or office space immediately away from windows.
- If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or a towel. Many chemicals can cause damage to breathing passages.
- Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated. An injury may occur from eating or drinking food with toxic chemicals.
- Close off non-essential rooms such as storage areas.
- Take your Disaster Supplies Kit (24 hour emergency kit) with you. These items may make you more comfortable while you are waiting for further instructions.
- Stay in the room and listen to your radio or television until you are told all is safe, or you are told to evacuate. Remember local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in the city. Following the advice of local authorities is your safest choice.
Designated Floor captains are responsible for assisting occupants on their given floor with emergency supplies, breathing hoods, food rations, medical needs, etc.
It is important to stay calm, listen carefully, and follow all instructions. Authorities will decide if sheltering in is necessary, based primarily on the type and amount of chemical released and how long it is expected to affect an area. Other considerations for a chemical release are the length of time it should take to dissipate the area, weather conditions, and the time of day. Jointly, the Designated Official and local authorities will advise you of the safest steps to follow for your building’s shelter in place scenario.
Personal Items:
- One change of clothing suitable for walking in case of a potential evacuation from a shelter in place scenario or decontamination. (Remember to keep in mind the seasons of the year)
- Personal items suitable for your particular needs should be kept in your emergency cache / backpack at your workstation.
Disasters That May Warrant Shelter-In-Place
Chemical:
The following may be an indication of a chemical attack:
- Many people suffering from watery eyes, twitching, choking, having trouble breathing, or losing coordination.
- Many sick or dead birds, fish or small animals.
If the chemical has reached the inside of the building, get out of the building without passing through the contaminated area if possible. Otherwise, it may be better to move as far away from where you suspect the chemical release is and “Shelter In Place.” Again, depending on the type of attack and wind speed, sheltering in an upstairs area for chemical /biological threats may be your best option as chemicals tend to concentrate below ground level.
Biological
In the event that a biological disaster takes place, create a barrier between you and the contaminated air. In this situation it may be necessary to proceed to an interior room that can be sealed. Covering your nose and mouth with layers of material (cheese cloth) or a handkerchief that filters the air but allows you to breath is advised.
Radiological
In the event that a Shelter In Place scenario is a result of a radiological cloud (dirty bomb) you may be directed to move to the center of the building to the lowest floor possible. It may be necessary to stay there for several days to minimize the exposure to the radioactive cloud. The basement areas are best for Nuclear/Radiological incidents because the shielding effect of the concrete would be better for stopping radiation and is more blast/damage resistant.
Tornado
In the event that a Shelter in Place scenario is a result of a Tornado you will most likely be directed to proceed to the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway, parking garage) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Be sure to use the stairs to reach the lowest point, not the elevators. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
Tornadoes can be followed by National Weather Service Doppler radar. Each office should have a NOAA radio which will deliver weather watches and warning from the NWS offices, 24 hours a day.
Hurricane
In the event that a Shelter in Place scenario is the result of a hurricane, stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Close all interior doors and secure and brace external doors. Finally, keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm and winds may pick up again. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
*This information is a general guide to what you should do in case of an emergency. To find more information about preparing for an emergency or what to do in case of an emergency visit the following websites.
www.ready.gov
www.redcross.org
www.fema.org