What is Shelter-in-Place?
During an emergency, an emergency alert might require the public to shelter-in-place —that is, to take refuge indoors. Sheltering-in-place offers immediate protection for a short time in your home or other building. Under many circumstances, sheltering-in-place is the best way to protect yourself from a hazard and is a safer alternative than evacuation.
Why You Might Need to Shelter-in-Place
Potentially hazardous events that might occur in Miami-Dade County include:
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Hurricanes or tornadoes
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Chemical/hazardous material releases (e.g., from an industrial accident or act of terrorism)
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Wildfires
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Radiation releases (e.g., from a nuclear power plant incident or act of terrorism)
How You Would Know to Shelter-in-Place
Miami-Dade County officials would issue an emergency alert on radio or TV that instructs the public to shelter-in-place.
Listen to the radio or TV for updates because changing conditions could alter recommendations.
During an emergency, Emergency Alert System messages will announce appropriate protective measures.
How to be Prepared
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Know your family's emergency plan. It should address sheltering-in-place and evacuation procedures, communicating with your family, and caring for pets.
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Learn about local warning sirens (including those of a nuclear power plant if you live within the Emergency Planning Zone).
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Know where your family’s shelter-in-place room is. It should be an interior room with few or no windows, doors, or vents.
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Know which local radio and TV stations broadcast emergency information.
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Designate a contact person out of your area that you and your family will call in an emergency to report where you are and that you are safe.
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If you baby-sit, know the family’s procedures and plans and where their emergency kit and emergency contact information are located.
If Told to Shelter-in-Place at Home
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Go indoors to the designated shelter-in-place room/area. Close and lock windows, doors, and vents.
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Make sure family members and pets are with you.
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Bring your emergency supply kit with you.
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For hurricanes or tornadoes, protect yourself with a mattress or padding.
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For wildfires, turn ON air conditioners/ventilation systems; breathe through a damp cloth.
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For a chemical, radiological, or biological threat, make sure windows and doors are sealed and fans and air conditioners are OFF.
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Don’t burn candles or use gas, propane, or kerosene appliances; vapors might be toxic.
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Use the telephone only for emergencies.
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Listen to the radio or TV for emergency updates.
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Stay indoors until given the “all clear” signal or other instructions
If Told to Shelter-in-Place at School
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Listen and follow instructions given by teachers and other school officials.
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Go indoors to the designated shelter-in-place area. It should be an interior room with few or no windows, doors, or vents.
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Close and lock windows, doors, and vents.
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When possible, call your parents or guardian to let them know you are safe. (Call your out-of-town emergency contact if you can’t reach your parents or guardian.)
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