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Shelter In Place

Shelter In Place. Shelter In Place or Evacuate? Considerations in Emergency Response. Introduction. Shelter-in-place and evacuation are recognized protective measures which are employed when responding to emergencies.

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Shelter In Place

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  1. Shelter In Place Shelter In Place or Evacuate? Considerations in Emergency Response

  2. Introduction • Shelter-in-place and evacuation are recognized protective measures which are employed when responding to emergencies. • Emergencies involving hazardous material releases or spills are considered here. • Local agencies have two courses of action involving public safety.

  3. Shelter in Place vs Evacuation • There is very strong bias toward choosing evacuation rather than sheltering in place. • This is natural, because of the long experience of first responders with evacuation, and the comfort people get from doing something active rather than something passive. • Shelter In Place vs Evacuation: How do we decide?

  4. Critical Factors in Decision Making • Delay time expected before release begins • Size of potential release / explosion / or fire • Duration expected • Direction to safety for evacuation • Building tightness (Safe haven) • Number of people in the emergency response zone

  5. Facilities and populations with special needs • Hospital, nursing homes • Schools, day care centres • Hotels / motels • Churches • Campgrounds, mobile home parks • Shopping centres, movie theaters • Jails, others

  6. Two essential questions… 1. Is there enough time to organize a safe and orderly evacuation? NO – then always advise people to shelter in place with doors and windows closed; YES – then the next and much more difficult question is: 2. Is it likely more people will be harmed if they try to evacuate rather than shelter in place? The Shelter In Place decision chart can be used to help determine which action will harm the least number of people.

  7. Conclusion “If the building is not on fire or filling with explosive / toxic gases; tell people to stay inside! … evacuate when time and safety can be assured.”

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