Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there maybe situations when
it’s simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty
outside. In fact, there are some circumstances where staying put and
creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air
outside, a process known as sheltering-in-place and sealing the room, is
a matter of survival. Plan in advance where you will take shelter in
this kind of an emergency.
Choose an interior room or one with as few windows and doors as
possible. Consider precutting plastic sheeting to seal windows, doors
and air vents. Each piece should be several inches larger than the space
you want to cover so that it lies flat against the wall. Label each
piece with the location of where it fits. Use available information to
assess the situation. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or
if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to
shelter-in-place and seal the room.
Quickly bring your family and pets inside, lock doors, and close
windows, air vents and fireplace dampers. Turn off air conditioning,
forced air heating systems, exhaust fans and clothes dryers. Take your
emergency supplies and go into the
isolation room you have designated. Seal all
windows, doors and vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. Listen to
the TV, the radio, or check the Internet for instructions.
From "Ready Brochure" US Dept of Homeland Security
