Shelter-in-Place

Most people assemble B.O.B's with the vivid imagination of them running into the wilderness and surviving off the land. While this may very well happen, a lot of us don't prepare enough to Shelter-in-Place or "Bug in". That should be Plan A.

Why should it be Plan A? Well it is a structure and shelter. All of your belongings are there, as well as food and water.

Your B.O.B. will still play a vital role. The reason you built your B.O.B is to keep you alive. Use it!

The situation may require you to Bug Out as your "Plan A" for your safety. You may be in a city, and need to get out, a chemical attack, or your being attacked by marauders. But if your like the average citizen and you don't have a Bug Out Location and Shelter; you will have to Shelter-in-place.

Below are a few tips for Sheltering-in-Place


How to Shelter-in-Place
At Home: 
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains.
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper if you have one.
• Get your B.O.B or survival kit
• Go to an interior room without windows that's above ground level.  In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
• Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
• It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select.  Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition.  Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
• Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.  Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.


In Your Vehicle:
If you are driving a vehicle and hear advice to “shelter-in-place” on the radio, take these steps:
• If you are very close to home, your office, or a public building, go there immediately and go inside.  Follow the shelter-inplace recommendations for the place you pick described above.
• If you are unable to get to a home or building quickly and safely, then pull over to the side of the road.  Stop your vehicle in the safest place possible.  If it is sunny outside, it is preferable to stop under a bridge or in a shady spot, to avoid being overheated.
• Turn off the engine. Close windows and vents.
• If possible, seal the heating/air conditioning vents with duct tape.
• Listen to the radio regularly for updated advice and instructions.
• Stay where you are until you are told it is safe to get back on the road.  Be aware that some roads may be closed or traffic detoured.  Follow the directions of law enforcement officials.

*Remember that instructions to shelter-in-place are usually provided for duration of a few hours, not days or weeks.  There is little danger that the room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen and you will suffocate.