This is the exact information passed on by my local CERT organizer.
Evacuation vs. Shelter-in-Place
Airborne hazardous materials spread quickly
Evacuation is not always the best way to stay safe
Staying inside can be a viable alternative
If not in immediate danger, listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for directions
Shelter-In-Place
- Remain inside your home or office and protect yourself there
- Close and lock all windows and exterior doors; pull blinds/curtains to protect in the event of
shattering glass
- Turn off all fans, heating & air-conditioning systems
- Close the fireplace damper
- Get your disaster supplies kit; make sure the radio is working
- Using duct tape, seal all cracks around doors & any vents into room
- Keep listening to your radio or television until:
you are told all is safe
you are told to evacuate
Location
Choose an interior room with no windows, or as few as possible
Pick a room with a toilet, water, and phone (wireless and cell phone would work)
Large enough for family or co-workers
Sealing Your Environment
-Have a Shelter-in-place kit that has pre-cut, labeled plastic sheeting for windows, doors, and vents
-Have multiple rolls of duct tape in kit so that more than one person can work on sealing the room
-Use duct tape to seal bottom of the door before applying plastic
-Use duct tape and pre-cut plastic to seal ways for air to enter the sheltering room. Make sure that your duct tape overlaps the edge of the plastic that covers windows, doors, vent coverings, electrical outlets, fixtures, and pipes where air can enter the room
Other:
Have disaster supply kit ready - water, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, flashlight
Tune into the EAS station for further instructions
Have snacks and books to make the situation more comfortable
Shelter-in-Place Don'ts
Do not call school or try to pick up your children
Do not leave shelter until directed over Emergency Alert System
Do not risk your safety for pets
Evacuation
Lock Doors When Leaving
Take pets w/you
Use specified travel routes
Avoid downed power lines
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