(excludes nuclear attack)
The following information should be formulated into public information brochures and distributed to all residents prior to an emergency situation requiring in-place shelter.
Warning for these hazards should be accomplished in accordance with Annex B.
Information should be provided to the local media for broadcast during an emergency and a public awareness program should be developed to encourage residents to keep emergency supplies on hand and develop a family disaster plan. Pets and animals also need to be considered.
TORNADO
If a tornado WARNING is issued and time does not permit residents to travel to public shelters, the best protection during a tornado is to quickly go to the lowest level in the building. The following protective actions should be relayed to the public:
DURING A TORNADO, THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE IS IN THE BASEMENT UNDER SOMETHING STURDY.
IF THERE IS NO BASEMENT, SEEK SHELTER IN A SMALL INTERIOR ROOM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUILDING, SUCH AS A CLOSET OR BATHROOM.
STAY AWAY FROM OUTSIDE DOORS AND WINDOWS.
REMAIN IN SHELTER UNTIL THE ALL CLEAR IS GIVEN FROM AUTHORITIES.
EARTHQUAKE
Since earthquakes happen with no warning, residents should be prepared to take in-place shelter in their homes for the first 72 hours following a seismic event. (See Attachment B to Appendix 5 of the Basic Plan.) These in-place protective actions should be relayed to the public:
WHEN THE SHAKING STARTS, STAY WHERE YOU ARE -- IF INDOORS, STAY INDOORS; IF OUTSIDE, STAY OUTSIDE.
IF YOU ARE INDOORS, GET UNDER A DESK, BED, OR OTHER HEAVY PIECE OF FURNITURE. STAY AWAY FROM GLASS AND WINDOWS.
IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE, GET AWAY FROM BUILDINGS AND UTILITY WIRES UNTIL THE SHAKING STOPS.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT
If evacuation cannot be accomplished prior to the formation/arrival of a toxic cloud, advising residents to stay indoors and reduce the air-flow into these buildings may be the most effective protective action. The following protective action instructions should be relayed to the public:
TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF TOXIC VAPORS ENTERING YOUR HOME:
TURN OFF ALL VENTILATION SYSTEMS, INCLUDING FURNACES, AIR CONDITIONERS, FANS, AND VENTS.
SEAL ALL ENTRY ROUTES AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE. CLOSE AND LOCK WINDOWS AND DOORS. SEAL GAPS UNDER DOORS AND WINDOWS WITH WET TOWELS AND THICK TAPE.
SEAL GAPS AROUND AIR CONDITIONING UNITS, BATHROOM AND KITCHEN EXHAUST FANS, STOVE AND GRILL VENTS, AND DRYER VENTS WITH TAPE AND PLASTIC SHEETING.
CLOSE ALL FIRE PLACE DAMPERS.
CLOSE AS MANY INTERNAL DOORS AS POSSIBLE.
IF AUTHORITIES WARN OF EXPLOSION, CLOSE ALL DRAPERIES, CURTAINS, AND SHADES; STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
BUILDING SUPERINTENDENTS SHOULD SET ALL VENTILATION SYSTEMS AT 100% RECIRCULATING SO THAT NO OUTSIDE AIR IS DRAWN INTO THE STRUCTURE.
IF YOU SUSPECT THAT GAS OR OTHER VAPORS HAVE ENTERED YOUR BUILDING, TAKE SHALLOW BREATHS THROUGH A PIECE OF CLOTH OR TOWEL.
REMAIN IN PROTECTED, INTERIOR AREAS OF THE BUILDING WHERE TOXIC VAPORS ARE REDUCED UNTIL YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO OTHERWISE.
OTHER
Additional hazards which may require in-place shelter include flooding and winter storms. For more information on these hazards, as well as in-place sheltering, see "Are You Ready?--Your Guide to Disaster Preparedness (H-34 September 1990), published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.