HIGHLANDS COUNTY
DIVISION OF
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
6850 West George
Blvd.
Sebring, FL 33875
863-385-1112
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SHELTERING IN PLACE
It may become necessary for
residents to shelter in their homes in response to different kinds of
disasters. Here are some instructions on how to protect yourself if
you're asked to shelter in place.
Brush
Fires
If residents are asked to shelter in place for a local fire, they should follow
these steps.
- Close all doors and
windows.
- Turn ON air conditioning
or air filtration systems if possible.
- Keep a damp cloth for
everyone in the house standing by in case of heavy smoke. Breath through
the cloth.
- Pull together your disaster supplies kit and valuable papers in
case you have to leave quickly.
- Monitor local radio or
TV reports! Fires can change direction quickly and may threaten your
home.
Hurricanes /
Tornadoes
Emergency Management officials throughout Florida all recommend that if
you have to evacuate, do so, and make that decision as early as possible. If
your home is not in an evacuation area and you have prepared your residence,
here are things you should do that may increase your survival:
- Seek shelter in an
interior "Safe Room" in the center of your residence it should
be a room without windows such as hall closet.
- Place a mattress or other
padding near by and keep your disaster supplies kit with you
in the room.
- Do not leave the safety
of the safe room. Flying debris has been known to penetrate walls, tree
trunks and even shutters. Also do not venture outside as the eye of the
storm passes over. Winds and driving rain can begin suddenly.
- Leave a clear path and
accessible exit in case of fire.
- Be sure to take extra
caution with light sources. Do not use open candles or gas lanterns. Use
flashlights or battery operated lanterns.
- Set your refrigerator
and freezer to their coldest settings, and put some of your bottled water
in the freezer. This will allow you to keep perishable food cold for one
to two days.
- Set aside water for
bathing and sanitary purposes by storing it in the bathtub and other
bottles and jugs. Prior to filling the bathtub, scrub the tub, wash it
down with bleach, then rinse. The water in your water heater can be used
for this as well.
Chemical
- Close and lock all
windows and doors (locking creates a tighter seal).
- Turn OFF all air
ventilation systems, i.e. window and attic fans, air conditioners, etc.
- Close the fireplace
damper.
- Go to an aboveground
interior room (not the basement) or the room with the fewest windows and
doors.
- Take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit with you.
- Using duct tape, tape
around the door, closing off the crack between the door and door jam. If
flooring material or size of space makes duct tape ineffective under the
door, wet some towels and jam them in the crack.
- Use heavy plastic (heavy
garbage bags are okay) and duct tape to cover windows, outlets, heat
registers and exhaust fans or vents.
- Listen for and follow
all further instructions issued by the local officials.
- If you are told there is
danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains. To
avoid injury, stay away from the windows.
- Stay in the room and listen
to your radio until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.
Radiation
- Close and
lock all doors and windows, locking provides a tighter seal.
- Turn OFF all fans that
bring in air from the outside, i.e. window and attic fans.
- Turn OFF the air
conditioning, unless otherwise instructed by local officials.
- Close the fireplace
damper
- Go to the basement, if
possible, or to an interior room with no windows.
Otherwise go to the room with the fewest windows and doors.
- Use duct tape and
plastic sheeting to cover and seal off any
doors, windows, or vents.
- Make sure you have
your Family Disaster Supplies Kit with
you.
- Listen for and follow
all further instructions issued by the local officials.
- Stay in the room and listen to your radio until you
are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.