Welcome to Part 9 of our Emergency Preparedness Series. In this installment, we will discuss shelter-in-place and lockdown procedures. These measures are crucial during various emergencies, including chemical spills, natural disasters, and security threats. Understanding when and how to implement these procedures can save lives and ensure safety.
Understanding Shelter-in-Place
Shelter-in-place means finding a safe location indoors and staying there until you are given an all-clear signal. This procedure is used during various emergencies, such as chemical spills, severe weather, or radiological events. Last year there were lots of accidents that called for communities to shelter in place.
East Palestine, Ohio (2023): A train derailment carrying hazardous materials caused a significant fire and the release of toxic chemicals like vinyl chloride. Residents within a one-mile radius were ordered to evacuate, while those nearby were instructed to shelter in place due to the risk of chemical exposure and potential explosions.
Clark County, Ohio (2023): Another train derailment led to a shelter-in-place order for residents living within 1,000 feet of the accident. Emergency responders worked to manage the situation and ensure public safety by asking residents to stay indoors as a precaution.
Bailey Yard, Nebraska (2023): An explosion at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard caused a major fire and toxic smoke. Authorities evacuated residents within a four-mile radius and advised others nearby to shelter in place to avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Sheltering In Place
Learn to recognize the scenarios that require sheltering in place, such as hazardous material spills, severe storms, or other immediate dangers. Some key actions to take when sheltering in place are:
• Move indoors immediately.
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• Turn off fans, heating, and air conditioning systems to prevent outside air from entering.
• Go to an interior room with few windows, if possible.
• Seal windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape if necessary.
Preparing a Shelter-in-Place Kit
I bet you have some of the items that you would need to seal windows or doors, but wouldn’t you feel better if you absolutely knew you were ready? Having a well-prepared shelter-in-place kit can make a significant difference during an emergency and provide peace of mind.
Essential Items
Water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and personal hygiene items.
Customize your kit based on your family’s needs, including medications, pet supplies, and important documents.
Lockdown Procedures
Lockdowns are implemented during security threats, such as active shooter situations or other immediate dangers. Some things to remember when a lockdown is put into effect are:
Secure the environment by locking doors and windows.
Move away from windows and seek cover.
Stay quiet and follow instructions from authorities.
Communicate with family members and ensure everyone is accounted for.
Communication Plans
My hope is that by now you are starting to put the pieces together to see how preparing for emergencies is like layering clothing to stay warm. You will find themes like communications planning applies to many situations. Like we covered in Part 3: Emergency Communications effective communication is critical during shelter-in-place or lockdown scenarios. Go back and review that post if you want more information, but at a minimum you should have the following plans and coverage.
Family Communication Plan: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other and where to meet if separated.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts and local authorities.
Staying Informed: Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on the situation and follow instructions from authorities.
Practical Tips and Drills
Regularly practicing shelter-in-place and lockdown procedures can improve your preparedness. So schedule regular drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do and can act quickly. It’s important to periodically review and update your plans based on new information or changes in your living situation. Understanding and practicing shelter-in-place and lockdown procedures can significantly enhance your safety during various emergencies. By preparing a shelter-in-place kit, creating a communication plan, and conducting regular drills, you can ensure that you and your family are ready to respond effectively.
In our next installment, we’ll delve into Self-defense and Personal Security Measures. Knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones during emergencies is a crucial aspect of preparedness. Stay prepared, stay resilient.
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