Protective Actions Fact Sheet: Shelter in Place

A "Shelter in Place" order given by either local or State government means that citizens within the affected area should take the following protective measures. 

• Go indoors, close all windows and doors.
• Turn off all sources of outside air.
  1. Air conditioners
  2. Ventilation fans/ducts.
• Remain indoors until notified that it is safe to move outdoors.
• Stay tuned to your local radio/television station to receive official notices.
• Limit telephone usage for emergency calls only. This is to prevent the telephone lines from being overloaded with non-emergency calls.

If you MUST be OUTDOORS

Protect your breathing by covering your mouth and nose with a cloth or handkerchief.

Evacuate

An order to evacuate given by local or State government means that citizens within the evacuation area should take the following protective measures.

1. Pack only what you need most:
   • clothes
   • Prescription medication
   • Baby supplies
   • Portable radio
   • Checkbook and credit cards
   • Cash
2. Lock your house, turn off all lights and household appliances.
3. Monitor local radio and television for instructions to the evacuation center.
4. Follow all instructions given by local and State authorities.

An evacuation may last only a few hours, or many days. Be sure to bring the necessities for at least 72 hours.