SHELTERING-IN-PLACE

In the event of an emergency such as the release of a hazardous material, it is not always recommended to immediately evacuate, as leaving your house might expose you to harmful agents that have been dispersed into the air. “Sheltering-in-place,” which means simply staying in your house or current location, may be the best means to avoid harm.

If your spouse, friend, or loved one is a Federal employee, there are protocols in place at every agency to shelter-in-place at the work place if circumstances warrant that action. Federal employees can ask their manager for more information about the procedures in place at their agency.

• Close and lock windows and doors.

• Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or seal with plastic and duct tape.

• Turn off ventilation systems

If Your Power Goes Out

1. Remain calm, and assist family members or neighbors who may be vulnerable if exposed to extreme heat or cold.

2. Locate a flashlight with batteries to use until power comes back on. Do not use candles—this can cause a fire.

3. Turn off sensitive electric equipment such as computers, VCRs, and televisions.

4. Turn off major electric appliances that were on when the power went off. This will help prevent power surges when electricity is restored.

5. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep cold in and heat out.

6. Do not use the stove to heat your home.

7. Do not call 911 to ask about the power outage.

8. Listen to the news radio stations for updates.

If You Need Clean Water

Flooding can cause contamination of water supplies. Bad water can contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis. If you think your water may be contaminated, you should purify it before using it. This includes water used for drinking, cooking, cleaning dishes, or bathing. The easiest way to purify water is to boil it.

Boiling. Boiling is considered the safest method of purifying water. Bring water to a boil for 3-5 minutes, and then allow it to cool before drinking. Pouring water back and forth between two containers will improve the taste by putting oxygen back into the water.

FOR DETAILED WATER TREATING OPTIONS CLICK HERE: <WATER TREATMENT>