Although remote, the possibility exists for a sudden release of dangerous, airborne contaminants that are immediately hazardous to the general public. Potential types of widespread, airborne contaminants could range from chemical materials to biological agents or radioactive particles. A released material might be in the form of a solid, liquid, or a gas, and could be colorless and odorless. As a result, you may not even be able to see or smell the danger.

Whether a release is the result of an industrial mishap, transportation accident, natural phenomenon, or terrorist act, an emergency of this nature could occur so rapidly that it might be impossible to safely evacuate the zone of contamination. In addition, emergency management agencies may not be able to respond effectively to control the event or be able to advise the general public in a rapid manner.

If a hazardous situation of this nature threatens your immediate vicinity, the most important thing to remember is to take action quickly. During an airborne contaminant emergency, you should go inside and stay put. This action is commonly called Shelter-in-Place. Familiarize yourself with this procedure and be prepared to implement it in your agency, business, or home.

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

Shelter-in-Place can be used when there is little time to react to an incident, and it would be more dangerous to be outside trying to evacuate than it would be to stay where you are."

The intent of Shelter-in-Place is to minimize the amount of outside air that enters your chosen location and await further instructions (from authorities) indicating the crisis (and danger) has passed. Keep in mind that you must be prepared in the event the crisis lasts for a prolonged period of time.

IMPORTANT: Shelter-in-Place materials must be assembled and ready for use before the need to utilize them arises.

How to Shelter-in-Place (seal a building/room so contaminants cannot enter):

• Turn off ventilation systems.
• Close and lock windows and doors.
• Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape.
• Seal gaps around window and air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper, or aluminum wrap.
• Close fireplace dampers.
• Choose a centralized location and close off nonessential rooms.
• Make sure you choose an area that has a telephone, water, a toilet, and can be sealed easily. In the home, a bedroom is an excellent choice.

Also: Develop a checklist of items necessary to implement this procedure. These items would include (but are not exclusively limited to) the following:

• Supply of bottled water (a gallon a day per person).
• Battery-operated radio and spare batteries.
• Flashlight(s) and spare batteries.
• First-aid kit with scissors.
• Duct tape, plastic sheeting, and towels (for sealing windows and doors).
• Nonperishable food (and a non-electric can opener).
• Essential medicines/prescriptions.
• Cash and credit cards.

This basic list would be applicable to a Shelter-in-Place in the workplace or at home.

For more information about Shelter-in-Place procedures, assembling a disaster kit, or making preparations to evacuate an area, check out the link below.

Ready.Gov (The U.S. Department of Homeland Security)