Page 25 - Emergency Protocol Booklet_2020_Singles

Shelter In Place

Sheltering In-Place means staying put inside your home, workplace
or other building until an emergency passes and you receive an all-
clear signal. Although it can apply to many types of emergencies, it
is particularly important during hazardous material incidents. Local
officials, especially the fire department, are best qualified to recom-
mend protective actions against hazardous materials exposure. Shel-
tering in-place is most often your safest option.
EPIC’s policy for sheltering in place simply means that people need
to remain wherever they currently are, whether at a residential
home, the office, day program, or vehicle.

Follow instructions of local authorities, which
may require you to do the following:

• Get your emergency supplies kit and make sure the radio is Protocols
working.
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window
shades, blinds or curtains.
• Go to an interior room without windows that's above ground
level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground loca-
tion is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air,
and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
• It is best to use a hard line telephone or a mobile phone with
rechargeable battery.

• Stayed tuned to your radio and television stations until you are
told it is safe or asked to evacuate.

• Throughout, take attendance of everyone in the room, check
on the condition of individuals in the home and report your
condition to your Immediate Supervisor.