ANNEX K
IN-PLACE SHELTER
PURPOSE
The purpose of this annex is to enhance the ability of Saline County and its municipalities to protect their residents in or near their homes when an incident has occurred with little or no warning and/or it would not be safe for residents to leave their current locations.
SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS
Situation
• In-place shelter will be used in a situation requiring protection for residents from the effects of a hazardous materials incident, earthquake, or a tornado when evacuation is not an appropriate action.
• In some disaster situations, such as earthquakes and tornadoes, local government has a very limited role in providing protection to its residents. In cases such as these, proper warning and immediate sheltering instructions are essential.
• Potential shelters have been identified in Annex L for public use in an emergency/disaster situation.
Assumptions
• Most homes have at least a one-week supply of food available.
• Shelters will not have an adequate amount of food available.
• Persons will arrive at shelters with their pets or other inappropriate items.
• Those persons with specific personal requirements (i.e., medications, food, diapers, etc.) will arrive at the shelters without these items.
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
NOTE: The time frames for performing these activities are listed in parentheses.
• Distribution of in-place shelter information to all residents of Saline County should be done prior to an emergency or disaster. (See Appendix 2 to this annex.) (MITIGATION)
• When possible, the In-Place Shelter Coordinator will operate from the EOC. The decision to evacuate or shelter in-place will be made by the chief elected official or his/her designated successor. (If residents are advised to evacuate from their homes, etc., they will need to seek shelter. Annex L discusses reception and care operations, while Annex J details evacuation operations.) (PREPAREDNESS and RESPONSE)
• If applicable to the situation, the public will be warned to seek appropriate protective shelter and to follow the information from the previously distributed brochures, as well as to stay tuned to their EAS station for further instructions. (PREPAREDNESS and RESPONSE)
• Presenting accurate information to residents in protective shelter is one of the most important tasks local government will perform in this function. Therefore, residents will be encouraged to have a radio or television available to receive this information while in protective shelter. (PREPAREDNESS and RESPONSE)
• Should in-place shelter be required for an extended period of time, arrangements will be made to deliver residents any essential medications, foods, etc., which they may need. (RESPONSE and RECOVERY)
ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
• The in-place shelter functional diagram is located in Appendix 1 to this annex.
• The chief elected official, or his/her designated successor will make the decision to shelter in-place.
• The Emergency Management Coordinator will be the In-Place Shelter Coordinator for Saline County. This Coordinator will operate from the EOC and will coordinate with other EOC Direction and Control Staff.
• The In-Place Shelter Coordinator and the PIO are responsible for ensuring the public receives timely and accurate in-place shelter information.
• The Resource and Supply Coordinator will stock public shelters as needed.
DIRECTION AND CONTROL
• All in-place shelter operations will be controlled from the EOC, when possible.
• If lines of communication between the EOC and the public shelters are not functioning, the shelter managers have control of their shelter until this contact can be reestablished.
CONTINUITY OF GOVERNMENT
The line of succession for the In-Place Shelter Coordinators are the same as those listed in Section VI of the Basic Plan.
ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS
The status of public shelters should be updated regularly by the In-Place Shelter Coordinator.
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 - All-Hazard In-Place Shelter Guidance