Emergency Preparedness: Shelter-in-Place & Grab-and-Go Kits

1. FSIS Employee Emergency Response SHELTER-IN-PLACE GRAB AND GO KITS Office of Food Security and Emergency Preparedness May 2004

2. Shelter-In-Place • What: Security Measure A security measure taken to remain inside a building to protect employees from external hazards and minimize the chance of injury and/or provide time to make preparations for safe evacuation. • Why: External Threat • Severe weather (tornado, hail, etc.) • Civil unrest • Accidental chemical release due to industrial/vehicle accident • Controlled release of personnel for an orderly evacuation from the District • Upon request to allow for the movement of personnel from other parts of the city that are in danger but does not affect the Headquarters Complex. • Chemical/Biological/Radiological attack

3. Shelter-In-Place • How: Announcement • Public Address (PA) System • Computer Emergency Notification System (CENS) • USDA Channel 6 TV • Wardens • Your supervisory chain • Do not automatically evacuate as you may be placing yourself in the path of a hazard

4. Grab and Go Kits All employees should prepare a Grab and Go Kit for their workplace for: • Shelter-in-Place (typically 2-3 hours but could be up to 48 hours) • If you are released from USDA but unable to get home (e.g., must stay at a motel) • Small tote bag, backpack, or soft-sided briefcase to hold the contents of your kit

5. Grab and Go Kits: Food • Enough non-perishable food to sustain you for at least one day (three meals), is suggested. Foods requiring no refrigeration, preparation or cooking • Prepackaged emergency water with 5-year shelf life approved or bottled water • Canned Juices • Only pack what you can easily carry

6. Grab and Go Kits: Additional Items • Small Flashlight • Small battery-operated radio • Extra batteries • Two lights/glow sticks • Small knife or multi-tool • FSIS Employee food security booklet • Personal toiletries

7. Grab and Go Kits: Additional Items • Comfortable shoes for walking • Pen & small notebook with contact information of family and friends • Area map • Rain poncho/blanket • Small first aid kit (including prescription medications) • Small amount of cash (in case you are unable to use credit or debit cards)

8. Supply Lockers • USDA installing shelter-in-place supply lockers in HQ Complex. • Supplies for USDA employees that cannot return to their offices and visitors in our complex. • There are not sufficient supplies for everyone so all USDA employees in the Headquarters Complex need to prepare their own Grab-and-Go kits. • Lockers will be sealed and alarmed and are to be opened by Emergency Response Team personnel only.

9. FSIS Emergency Preparedness Resources • FSIS Intranet: http://foteam/ofsep/ • FSIS Web Site: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Security_&_Emergency_Preparedness/index.asp • Office of Food Security and Emergency Preparedness (OFSEP): 202-720-5643

10. USDA Emergency Preparedness Resources • USDA “Be Prepared” Information: http://www.usda.gov/oo/beprepared -USDA Employee Emergency Response Guide -Shelter-in-Place -Grab and Go Kits -Occupant Emergency Plans and Information -WDC Emergency Evacuation Information -USDA-HQ Emergency Telephone Numbers • USDA Employee Information Center: (202) 690-3636 or 1-800-932-1902 (711 for TTY service).

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