National Preparedness Month: Be Prepared to Shelter-in-Place

In the event that the outside air becomes contaminated, due to a hazardous materials spill; or that it's simply safer to stay indoors, like during a major storm; be prepared to Shelter-in-Place.

Prepare to Shelter-in-Place by identifying a room in your home that is large enough for everyone in your household, including pets; that is above street level; with as few doors and windows as possible; with access to water, electricity, a phone jack and bathroom facilities. Officials may instruct you to seal the room, so be ready to seal any doors, windows, air vents and exhaust fans with plastic sheeting and duct tape. Also, it's important to know how to turn off exhaust fans, heating and cooling systems and close any fireplace dampers.

Then, create a Shelter-in-Place Kit with a three day supply of the following items for everyone in your home, including pets:

• Three gallons of drinking water per person.
• Food that will not perish easily, such as granola bars, energy bars and canned foods.
• Manual can opener and eating utensils.
• Plastic sheeting (pre-cut to fit your doors, windows, air vents), scissors and duct tape.
• First-aid Kit.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• A whistle to signal for help.
• Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach and an eyedropper. (Disinfect water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials. To disinfect water with bleach, add 8 drops of bleach per gallon of water.)
• Personal care items: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper and baby wipes.
• Phone that does not need electricity (just plugs into a phone jack).
• Child care supplies or other special needs items like medicine or supplies for your pets.