Shelter-in-Place for
Active Shooter
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
An active shooter is an individual engaged in attempting
to kill people in a confined space or populated area. Active
shooters typically use firearms and have no pattern to their
selection of victims.
Take Additional Safety Measures
If you see suspicious
activity, let an authority
know right away.
When you enter buildings,
take the time to identify two
exits and look for places
where you could hide. Get
in the habit of doing this. It
will help you to act quickly if
you ever need to.
Map out places to hide.
In rooms without windows,
behind solid doors with
locks, under desks, or
behind heavy furniture.
Ask about plans for places you
spend a lot of time, including
workplaces, houses of worship,
and schools.
If you participate in an active
shooter drill, talk with your
family about what you
learned and how to apply
it to other locations.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
Run. Hide. Fight.
First Officers on scene will not stop to help the injured. Their priority is
to end the incident as fast as possible. Rescue teams will move in after the first
officers and will treat and move the injured to safety.
Run
r Get away That is your top priority!
r Leave behind any belongings.
r Help others if you can, but you must escape.
r Warn others to stay away from the area.
r Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.
Hide
r Stay out of the shooter’s view.
r Lock and block entrances and turn off lights.
r Groups of people should spread out when hiding.
r Text 9-1-1 and text message others to silently communicate.
r Stay in place until given the-all-clear signal.
Silence electronic devices and make sure they don’t vibrate.
Devices that buzz or ring will bring attention to places of hiding.
If you are in a
Manufactured or
Mobile Home
If you are in a
1- or 2-Story Building
May have an attic and/or
basement
If you are in a
Multistory Building
Includes schools, apartments,
and offices
For all structures
r stay inside
r lock and block the doors
r close blinds
r turn off all the lights
Fight as a last resort!
r Commit to your actions. Fight. Do not hesitate.
r Be prepared to inflict severe injury to shooter.
r Throw objects or improvise weapons (staplers, scissors, chairs).
How long to
shelter-in-place?
Stay in place
until law
enforcement
gives you notice
that the danger
is over.
Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for
Chemical Hazard
If told not to evacuate or it is too late to evacuate
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids
and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals
or plants.
Take Additional Safety Measures
Go inside as quickly
as possible. Bring any
pets indoors.
Lock all doors and
windows for a better seal.
Turn off the air conditioner
or furnace, all fans, close
the fireplace damper and
any other place that air
can come in from outside.
Use duct tape and plastic
to seal around doors and
windows in the room where
you take shelter.
Listen for current emergency
information and instructions
from authorities.
Do not drink water from the
tap. Stored water will be
safer.
Nov. 2021
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
If you are in a
Manufactured or
Mobile Home
If you are in a
1- or 2-Story Building
May have an attic and/or
basement
If you are in a
Multistory Building
Includes schools, apartments,
and offices
For all locations, stay inside and minimize air flow by turning
off all furnaces, air conditioners, fans, and heaters.
If possible, further reduce exposure to the chemical hazard by
using duct tape and plas
tic sheeting to:
r tape the gaps around doors and windows
r cover any vents or recessed fans
r tape over electrical outlets
Going to an interior room without windows will make it easier
to seal the room.
Turn off all fans,
furnace or air
conditioner.
Going to an interior
room without
windows will give
you fewer locations
to seal.
Use duct tape and
plastic sheeting
to seal around the
windows and doors.
This will reduce
contaminated air
coming into the room.
How long to
shelter-in-place?
Sheltering-
in-place for
a chemical
hazard should
not last longer
than a few
hours. Listen to
authorities to
know when it is
safe to leave.
Shelter-in-Place for
Earthquake
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
Earthquakes are the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth,
caused by the breaking and shifting of underground rock.
Earthquakes can collapse buildings and cause heavy items
to fall, resulting in injuries and property damage.
Take Additional Safety Measures
Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
· Drop to your hands and
knees so you don’t fall.
· Take Cover under sturdy
furniture. If not available,
tuck and cover your neck
and head with a coat,
blanket, cushion, or
your arms.
· Hold On to the furniture so
you stay covered.
· Crawl only if you can reach
better cover without going
through an area with more
debris.
Expect aftershocks. When
they happen, Drop, Cover,
and Hold On again.
If you are in a high-rise
building, expect fire alarms
and sprinklers to go off.
DO NOT use elevators.
Act now to secure TVs, shelves
and other heavy furniture.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
DO NOT RUN OUTSIDE
IF OUTSIDE, STAY OUTSIDE
Nov. 2021
If you are in a
Manufactured or
Mobile Home
If you are in a
1- or 2-Story Building
May have an attic and/or
basement
If you are in a
Multistory Building
Includes schools, apartments,
and offices
Do not use
elevators.
r Do not run outside.
r Do not stand in doorframes.
r Do not use elevators.
If you are outside, move
away from buildings,
drop, tuck your body,
and cover your head.
For all structures, stay where you are and Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
In bed, turn face down and
cover your neck and head
with a pillow or your arms.
Drop, take cover under a
sturdy table, hold on and
cover your neck and head.
How long to
shelter-in-place?
Stay in the Drop,
Cover, and Hold
On position until
shaking stops.
After the
shaking stops:
• If in a
damaged
building, go
outside and
move away
from the
building.
• If trapped,
send a text or
bang on a
pipe or wall
instead of
shouting.
• If in an area
at risk of
tsunami,
move inland.
Shelter-in-Place for
Flooding/Flash Flooding
If told not to evacuate or it is too late to evacuate
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the
United States. Floods may develop slowly or quickly
without warning. Flash flooding is due to an extreme
volume of water in a short period caused by heavy
rainfall, a levee or dam failure, or a sudden release of
water by a debris or ice jam.
Take Additional Safety Measures
Go inside as quickly as
possible. Bring any pets
indoors.
If told to evacuate, do so
immediately.
• Do not drive around
barricades.
• Stay off bridges over
fast moving water. Turn
around. Don’t drown®
• If your vehicle is trapped in
rapidly moving water, stay
inside. If water is rising inside
the vehicle, get on the roof
and call 911.
Use a generator or other
gasoline—powered machinery
ONLY outdoors and 20 feet
from the house and away
from windows.
Listen for current emergency
information and instructions.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
Nov. 2021
If you are in a
Manufactured or
Mobile Home
If you are in a
1- or 2-Story Building
May have an attic and/or
basement
If you are in a
Multistory Building
Includes schools, apartments,
and offices
For all structures:
If the floodwaters rise to a dangerous level:
r Go to the highest level of the building or
onto the roof if necessary.
r Do not climb into a closed attic—you may
become trapped by rising flood water.
r Call 911.
Take your go-bag and critical documents with you.
How long to
shelter-in-place?
If you are safe,
stay inside
until local
authorities
provide other
instructions.
If you are in
danger call 911.
Shelter-in-Place for
Hurricane (High Wind,
Flooding and Storm Surge)
If told not to evacuate or it is too late to evacuate
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over
warm ocean waters and move toward land. Threats
from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rainfall,
storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents,
tornadoes, and landslides.
Take Additional Safety Measures
If floodwaters rise to a
dangerous level, go to the
highest level of the building.
Do not climb into a closed
attic—you may become
trapped by rising flood water.
Go inside as quickly as
possible. Bring any pets
indoors.
Use a generator or other
gasoline—powered machinery
ONLY outdoors and 20 feet
from the house and away from
windows.
Save phone calls for
emergencies. Use text
messages or social media
to communicate.
Listen for current emergency
information and instructions.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
If you are in a Manufactured or Mobile Home
Get out! Go to the nearest shelter.
Manufactured structures such as
mobile homes are unsafe during
a hurricane.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through
flood waters.
Take your go-bag and
critical documents with you.
Nov. 2021
If you are in a
1- or 2-Story Building
May have an attic and/or basement
If you are in a
Multistory Building
Includes schools, apartments, and offices
For both structures
Take your go-bag and
critical documents with you.
For flood or storm surge danger:
r Go to the highest level of the
building or onto the roof if necessary.
r Do not climb into a closed attic—you
may become trapped by rising flood
water.
r Call 911.
For high wind: Go to a small, interior,
windowless room in a sturdy building
on the lowest level.
Do not
shelter-in-place
Leave
immediately.
Go to the
nearest shelter
location.
How long to
shelter-in-place?
Stay inside until
local authorities
provide other
instructions.
If told to
evacuate, do so
immediately.
Do not drive
around
barricades.
Stay off bridges
over fast-moving
water. Turn
Around, Don’t
Drown
®
Shelter-in-Place for
Nuclear Detonation
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
Nuclear explosions include an intensely bright flash, a
blast wave, and radioactive fallout (the dirt mixed with
radioactive material that falls to the earth after the
explosion). Radioactive fallout generally begins to collect
about 10 minutes after the explosion. This gives you time
to find adequate shelter.
Get In. Stay In. Tune In.
Get inside the nearest building
to protect yourself from
radiation. Brick or concrete are
best. Bring any pets indoors.
Go to the basement or middle
of the building. Stay away
from the outer walls and roof
because radioactive material
will collect there.
Close windows and doors, If
possible, turn off units that bring
in air from the outside.
Stay inside for 24 hours unless
local authorities provide other
instructions. It is important to
wait for the radiation to decay.
Listen for instructions from
authorities.
Take Additional Safety Measures
If you were outside after the
fallout arrived, remove your
outer layer of clothing and put
it away from people and pets.
Brush off any fallout and, if
possible, wash exposed skin
and hair.
Family members and caregivers
should not leave to get their
children. Schools/Day cares have
plans and are caring for your
children. Reunite later to avoid
exposure to dangerous radiation.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
Get In. Stay In. Tune In.
If you are in a
Manufactured or
Mobile Home
If you cannot make it
to a brick or concrete
structure, shelter in the
middle of the structure.
Stay away from
the outer walls,
windows and roof.
If you are in a
1- or 2-Story Building
May have an attic and/or
basement
Go to the
basement
or lowest
level in the
structure.
If you don’t
have a basement,
take shelter
on the first or
middle floor.
Stay away from
the outer walls,
windows and roof.
If you are in a
Multistory Building
Includes schools, apartments,
and offices
Go to the
basement,
parking
levels or
other lowest
level in the
structure.
Stay away from
the outer walls,
windows and roof.
How long to
shelter-in-place?
Stay inside for
24 hours unless
authorities
provide other
instructions, or
your building is
threatened by fire
or collapse. This
will protect you
from radioactive
fallout.
Tune into any
communication
channel or
media available
for official
information on
when it is safe to
exit and where
you should go.
when it is safe to
exit and where
you should go.
Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for
Pandemic
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several
countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics
are most often caused by viruses that can spread easily
from person to person. Most people will not be immune
and a vaccine may not exist right away.
Take Additional Safety Measures
Stay at home as much as
possible and stay away from
others that are sick.
Wash hands frequently
with soap and water for 20
seconds. Hand sanitizer with
60% alcohol may be used if
soap and water is not available.
Wear a mask when you are
out of the home, caring for
someone who is sick, or if
you are around others when
you are sick.
Practice good health
habits. Get plenty of sleep, be
physically active, manage your
stress, drink plenty of fluids,
and eat nutritious food.
Keep physical distance
from others. Practice keeping
at least 6 feet apart. Limit
close, face-to-face contact with
others.
Listen for current emergency
information
and instructions.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public.
Follow CDC Guidelines.
Face masks protect the wearer and others by reducing the spread of a virus.
N95
Mask
· Tight fitting
· Filters at
least 95%
of large and
small airborne
particles
· Disposable
Surgical
Mask
· Looser
fitting
· Contains
large
droplets
· Disposable
Cloth Face
Covering
· Looser
fitting
· Two layers
contain large
droplets
· Reusable
with washing
If you are in a
Manufactured or
Mobile Home
If you are in a
1- or 2-Story Building
May have an attic and/or
basement
If you are in a
Multistory Building
Includes schools, apartments,
and offices
Nov. 2021
For all structures, stay at home as much as
possible to reduce exposure to the virus..
What to do
Minimize trips outside to only
essential requirements, e.g. buy
two weeks of food at a time.
Create an emergency plan so that
you and your family know what to
do and what you will need in case
an outbreak happens. Consider
how a pandemic may affect your
plans for other emergencies.
Gather supplies in case you
need to stay home for several
days or weeks. Supplies may
include cleaning supplies, non-
perishable foods, prescriptions,
and bottled water. Buy supplies
slowly to ensure that everyone
has the opportunity to buy what
they need. Remember that not
everyone can afford to stock up
immediately. Consider avoiding
WIC-labeled products so that
those who rely on these products
can access them.
Quarantine vs. Isolation
All people should shelter in
place as much as possible
Quarantine separates and
restricts the movement of
people who were exposed
to a contagious disease to
see if they become sick.
Isolation separates sick
people with a contagious
disease from people who
are not sick.
How long to
shelter-in-place?
If you believe
you’ve been
exposed to
the disease,
contact your
doctor, follow
the quarantine
instructions
from medical
providers, and
monitor your
symptoms.
If you’re
experiencing
a medical
emergency,
call 9-1-1 and
shelter in place
with a mask, if
possible, until
help arrives.
Shelter-in-Place for
Thunderstorm
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from
weather-related hazards. Thunderstorms are dangerous
storms that include lighting.
Take Additional Safety Measures
When thunder roars, go
indoors. A sturdy building
is the safest place to be
during a thunderstorm.
Go inside as quickly as
possible. Bring any pets
indoors.
If necessary, take shelter
in a car with a metal top
and sides. Do not touch
anything metal.
Get to land if boating or
swimming. Find a sturdy,
grounded shelter or vehicle
immediately.
Pay attention to weather
reports and warnings of
thunderstorms. Be ready to
change plans, if necessary,
to be near shelter.
Listen for current
emergency information
and instructions.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
If you are in a
Manufactured or
Mobile Home
If you are in a
1- or 2-Story Building
May have an attic and/or
basement
If you are in a
Multistory Building
Includes schools, apartments,
and offices
For all structures, stay inside.
Avoid
running water or
using landlines phones
as electricity can travel
through plumbing and
phone lines.
Nov. 2021
What to do
Unplug appliances and other electric devices to avoid surges.
How long to
shelter-in-place?
Listen to
authorities
and weather
forecasts for
information
on whether it is
safe to go outside
and instructions
regarding
potential
flash flooding.
Shelter-in-Place for
Tornado
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend
from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy
buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris.
Take Additional Safety Measures
Take additional cover by
shielding your head and
neck with your arms and
putting materials such as
furniture and blankets
around you.
Go inside as quickly as
possible. Bring any pets
indoors.
Do not enter damaged
buildings until you are
told that they are safe.
If you are trapped, cover
your mouth with a cloth or
mask to avoid breathing
dust. Try to send a text,
bang on a pipe or wall, or
use a whistle instead
of shouting.
Take your go-bag and
critical documents with you.
Listen for current
emergency information
and instructions from
authorities.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
If you are in a Manufactured or Mobile Home
Get out! Go to a safe room, storm shelter,
or sturdy building as soon as possible.
Manufactured structures such as mobile
homes are unsafe during a tornado.
Take your go-bag and critical
documents with you.
If you are in a 1- or 2-Story Building May have an attic and/or basement
If you don’t have
basement, take
shelter on the
first floor.
Basement or
lowest level in
the structure
Go to a small, int
erior,
windowless room in a
sturdy building on the
lowest level.
Take your go-bag and
critical documents
with you.
If you are in a Multistory Building Includes schools, apartments, and ofces
Go to a small, interior,
windowless room in a
sturdy building on the
lowest level.
Basement, parking
levels or other
lowest level in the
structure
Take your go-bag and
critical documents
with you.
Do not
shelter-in-place
Leave
immediately.
Do not stay
inside.
How long to
shelter-in-place?
Stay inside
until weather
forecasts and
local authorities
indicate it is
safe to leave.
Use extreme
care when
leaving a
building as
there may be
dangerous
debris.
Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for
Winter Storm
When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home,
place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go,
what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the
hazards in your area.
Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents,
hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and
heart attacks from overexertion.
Take Additional Safety Meas
Limit your time outside.
If you need to go outside
wear layers of warm clothing
and avoid overexertion.
Watch for signs of frostbite
and hypothermia.
Bring any pets indoors.
If trapped in your car,
stay inside.
Check on neighbors. Older
adults and young children
are more at risk in extreme
cold.
Avoid carbon monoxide
poisoning. Use a generator
and other gasoline-
powered machinery
ONLY outdoors, 20 feet from
the house and away from
windows. Never
heat your home with a
gas stove top or oven.
Listen for current
emergency information
and instructions.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
If you are in a
Manufactured or
Mobile Home
If you are in a
1- or 2-Story Building
May have an attic and/or
basement
If you are in a
Multistory Building
Includes schools, apartments,
and offices
ures
For all structures, stay inside
and limit your time outside.
Avoid carbon monoxide
poisoning by using
generators and grills ONLY
outdoors, 20 feet from
the house and away from
windows.
What to do if power goes out
If power goes out keep freezers
and refrigerators closed.
Monitor temperatures with a
thermometer.
Monitor medication that requires
refrigeration.
Turn off or disconnect appliances,
equipment or electronics to avoid spikes
that can cause damage.
How long to
shelter-in-place?
Stay inside until
local authorities
provide other
instructions.
Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for Manufactured or Mobile Home
Active Shooter
Run. Hide. Fight.
What to do: Run away from shooter.
Call 911 if safe to do so. Hide if
you cannot get away safely. Silence
electronic devices. Lock and block
doors, close blinds, turn off lights.
Fight as a last resort.
How long to stay: If you are not able
to run to safety, stay in place until law
enforcement gives you notice that the
danger is over.
Hurricane (High Wind,
Flooding, Storm Surge)
Evacuate immediately.
Do not stay inside. Go to a
storm shelter or sturdy building.
Manufactured structures such as
mobile homes are unsafe during a
hurricane.
Thunderstorm
Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside.
What to do: Pay attention to weather
reports. Be ready to change plans
if necessary. Unplug appliances,
avoid using running water or landline
phones.
How long to stay: For the length of
the storm.
Winter Storm
Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside.
Limit time outside.
What to do: Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by
using generators and grills ONLY outdoors, 20 feet
from the house and away from windows. Never
heat a building with a gas stove top or oven.
How long to stay: For the length of the storm.
Flash Flooding
Flooding
Shelter-in-Place: If the floodwaters rise to a dangerous level, get on the
roof if possible and call 911.
What to do: Listen for current emergency information and instructions. Use a
generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and 20 feet from
the house and away from windows.
How long to stay: Stay inside until authorities indicate it is safe to leave.
Nuclear Detonation
Shelter-in-Place: Get inside
nearest building, brick or concrete
buildings are best. Go to a basement
or middle of the building.
What to do: Remove contaminated
clothing, wipe off or wash unprotected
skin if you were outside after the
fallout arrived.
How long to stay: Stay inside for 24
hours unless local authorities provide
other instructions. Leave if the building
is on fire or may collapse.
Tornado
Evacuate Immediately.
Do not stay inside. Evacuate to a
safe room, storm shelter, or sturdy
building. Manufactured structures
such as mobile homes are unsafe
during a tornado.
Chemical Hazard
Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside and
seal the room. Use duct tape and
plastic sheeting to seal around the
windows and doors.
What to do: Lock all doors and
windows. Drink stored water, not
water from the tap. Turn off the air
conditioner, furnace, and fans. Close
the fireplace damper and seal off any
other place where air may come in
from outside.
How long to stay: Should not last
longer than a few hours. Listen to
authorities to know when it is safe
to leave.
Pandemic
Shelter-in-Place: Stay Home.
Minimize access to your home from
anyone not isolating with you.
What to do: Reduce trips outside to
only essential requirements. Clean
surfaces often with disinfectant.
Wash hands for 20 seconds
frequently with soap. Avoid touching
your eyes, nose, or mouth. Gather
supplies in case you need to stay
home for several days or weeks.
How long to stay: As advised by local
public health officials.
Visit www.fema.gov for more information
Earthquake
Shelter-in-Place: Stay where
you are and Drop, Cover, and Hold
On. Get under and hold on to sturdy
furniture. Protect the head and neck
with arms or pillows.
What to do: Drop, Cover and Hold
On. If in a bed, turn onto stomach
and cover your head and neck with
a pillow.
How long to stay: Until the shaking
stops.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for 1- or 2-Story Building May have an attic and/or basement
Flash Flooding
Flooding
Shelter-in-Place: If the floodwaters rise to a dangerous level, get on the
roof if possible and call 911.
What to do: Listen for current emergency information and instructions. Use a
generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and 20 feet from
the house and away from windows.
How long to stay: Stay inside until authorities indicate it is safe to leave.
Active Shooter
Run. Hide. Fight.
What to do: Run away from shooter.
Call 911 if safe to do so. Hide if
you cannot get away safely. Silence
electronic devices. Lock and block
doors, close blinds, turn off lights.
Fight as a last resort.
How long to stay: If you are not able
to run to safety, stay in place until law
enforcement gives you notice that the
danger is over.
Hurricane (High Wind, Flooding, Storm Surge)
Shelter-in-Place: For high wind go to a windowless
room on the lowest level. For flooding go as high as
possible but not into the attic.
What to do: For high wind, go to a small, interior,
windowless room in the lowest level.
How long to stay: Stay inside until local authorities
provide other instructions.
Thunderstorm
Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside.
What to do: Pay attention to weather
reports. Be ready to change plans
if necessary. Unplug appliances,
avoid using running water or landline
phones.
How long to stay: For the length of
the storm.
Winter Storm
Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside.
Limit time outside.
What to do: Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by
using generators and grills ONLY outdoors, 20 feet
from the house and away from windows. Never
heat a building with a gas stove top or oven.
How long to stay: For the length of the storm.
Tornado
Shelter-in-Place: Go to a small,
interior, windowless room, in the
lowest level.
What to do: Protect your head and
neck. Take additional cover by putting
blankets around you.
How long to stay: Stay inside
until weather forecasts and local
authorities say it is safe to do so. Use
extreme care when leaving a building
as there may be dangerous debris.
Nuclear Detonation
Shelter-in-Place: Go to a
basement or middle of the
building. Stay away from the outer
walls and roof.
What to do: Remove contaminated
clothing and wipe off or wash
unprotected skin if you were outside
after the fallout arrived.
How long to stay: Stay inside for 24
hours unless local authorities provide
other instructions, or the building is on
fire or in danger of collapsing.
Pandemic
Shelter-in-Place: Stay Home.
Minimize access to your home from
anyone not isolating with you.
What to do: Reduce trips outside to
only essential requirements. Clean
surfaces often with disinfectant.
Wash hands for 20 seconds
frequently with soap. Avoid touching
your eyes, nose, or mouth. Gather
supplies in case you need to stay
home for several days or weeks.
How long to stay: As advised by local
public health officials.
Earthquake
Shelter-in-Place: Stay where
you are and Drop, Cover, and Hold
On. Get under and hold on to sturdy
furniture. Protect the head and neck
with arms or pillows.
What to do: Drop, Cover and Hold
On. If in a bed, turn onto stomach
and cover your head and neck with
a pillow.
How long to stay: Until the shaking
stops.
Chemical Hazard
Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside and
seal the room. Use duct tape and
plastic sheeting to seal around the
windows and doors.
What to do: Lock all doors and
windows. Drink stored water, not
water from the tap. Turn off the air
conditioner, furnace, and fans. Close
the fireplace damper and seal off any
other place where air may come in
from outside.
How long to stay: Should not last
longer than a few hours. Listen to
authorities to know when it is safe
to leave.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for Multistory Buildings Includes condos, apartments, offices, and schools
Tornado
Shelter-in-Place: Go to a small,
interior, windowless room, in the
lowest level.
What to do: Protect your head and
neck. Take additional cover by putting
blankets around you.
How long to stay: Stay inside
until weather forecasts and local
authorities say it is safe to do so. Use
extreme care when leaving a building
as there may be dangerous debris.
Flash Flooding
Flooding
Shelter-in-Place: If the floodwaters rise to a dangerous level, get on the
roof if possible and call 911.
What to do: Listen for current emergency information and instructions. Use a
generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and 20 feet from
the house and away from windows.
How long to stay: Stay inside until authorities indicate it is safe to leave.
Active Shooter
Run. Hide. Fight.
What to do: Run away from shooter.
Call 911 if safe to do so. Hide if
you cannot get away safely. Silence
electronic devices. Lock and block
doors, close blinds, turn off lights.
Fight as a last resort.
How long to stay: If you are not able
to run to safety, stay in place until law
enforcement gives you notice that the
danger is over.
Thunderstorm
Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside.
What to do: Pay attention to weather
reports. Be ready to change plans
if necessary. Unplug appliances,
avoid using running water or landline
phones.
How long to stay: For the length of
the storm.
Winter Storm
Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside.
Limit time outside.
What to do: Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by
using generators and grills ONLY outdoors, 20 feet
from the house and away from windows. Never
heat a building with a gas stove top or oven.
How long to stay: For the length of the storm.
Nuclear Detonation
Shelter-in-Place: Go to a
basement or middle of the
building. Stay away from the outer
walls and roof. Take shelter in a
basement, underground parking
garage, or other lowest level in the
structure.
What to do: Remove contaminated
clothing and wipe off or wash
unprotected skin if you were outside
after the fallout arrived.
How long to stay: Stay inside for 24
hours unless local authorities provide
other instructions, or the building is on
fire or in danger of collapsing.
Earthquake
Shelter-in-Place: Stay where
you are and Drop, Cover, and Hold
On. Get under and hold on to sturdy
furniture. Protect the head and neck
with arms or pillows.
What to do: Drop, Cover and Hold
On. If in a bed, turn onto stomach
and cover your head and neck with
a pillow.
How long to stay: Until the shaking
stops.
Pandemic
Shelter-in-Place: Stay Home.
Minimize access to your home from
anyone not isolating with you.
What to do: Reduce trips outside to only
essential requirements. Clean surfaces
often with disinfectant. Wash hands for
20 seconds frequently with soap. Avoid
touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Gather supplies in case you need to stay
home for several days or weeks. If you
must go to an office, campus, or live in a
multi-story building, make sure to wear a
mask and keep a physical distance of at
least 6 ft apart.
How long to stay: As advised by local
public health officials.
Hurricane (High Wind, Flooding, Storm Surge)
Shelter-in-Place: For high wind go to a windowless
room on the lowest level. For flooding go as high as
possible but not into the attic.
What to do: For high wind, go to a small, interior,
windowless room in the lowest level.
How long to stay: Stay inside until local authorities
provide other instructions.
Chemical Hazard
Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside and
seal the room. Use duct tape and
plastic sheeting to seal around the
windows and doors.
What to do: Lock all doors and
windows. Drink stored water, not
water from the tap. Turn off the air
conditioner, furnace, and fans. Close
the fireplace damper and seal off any
other place where air may come in
from outside.
How long to stay: Should not last
longer than a few hours. Listen to
authorities to know when it is safe
to leave.
Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.
Nov. 2021
