Shelter in Place
In some circumstances, it may be safer for people to take shelter in their homes, schools or places of work. Shelter in place is an alternative to evacuation when:
- There is not enough time to safely evacuate the public at risk
- Residents are waiting for evacuation assistance
- There is a chemical release of limited duration (e.g. a release of sour gas due to a pipeline rupture)
- The public would be at higher risk if evacuated
If you are advised to shelter in place, listen to the radio and/or watch the television for instructions from emergency officials and take the following precautions:
- Get inside as quickly as possible.
- Turn off all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Close vents.
- Close all doors, windows, fireplace flues, vents and other openings If there are any gaps in the weather stripping, use duct tape, plastic wrap and/or aluminum foil to seal the leaks.
- Close drapes, curtains and shades. Stay away from external windows.
- Use telephones only if you require immediate emergency assistance.
