Shelter-in-Place Guide
How to seal your home and stay safe during hazardous outdoor events.
4 min read · 4 sections
When to Shelter in Place
- Hazardous material (HAZMAT) spill or chemical release
- Airborne biological or radiological event
- Severe storm when evacuation is more dangerous
- Active shooter / civil unrest when outdoors is unsafe
Sealing a Room (HAZMAT)
- Choose an interior room above ground with few windows
- Pre-cut plastic sheeting and duct tape for every window and vent
- Seal gaps under doors with wet towels
- Turn off HVAC, fans, and clothes dryer
- A sealed room buys 3–4 hours of safe air on average
Supplies to Pre-position
- 3-day water supply in the shelter room
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Manual can opener and 3-day food supply
- Medications and first aid kit
- Phone charger and power bank
- Sanitation supplies (bucket, bags, sanitiser)
Monitoring & Exit
- Monitor official channels (NOAA radio, local alerts) continuously
- Exit only when authorities give the all-clear
- If outside air quality returns to normal, ventilate before re-entering
- Seek medical attention if anyone shows symptoms