Situations that may require you to shelter in place include natural disasters; accidental or intentional release of chemical, biological or radiological material; or an emergency safety situation, such as in the event of an active shooter. Different threats require slightly different sheltering recommendations; if there are any clients, visitors, or customers, ensure that they stay in your building and are given directions on shelter-in-place protocols for your office.

Below are a few of the key procedures necessary to shelter in place effectively in your workplace for either a natural disaster or a biological, chemical or radiological release:

• Bring everyone into the designated shelter-in-place area, one that is secure and with locks on the doors.
  
  • In a natural disaster or radiological release, you will generally want this room to be on the lowest level (preferably below ground), and in the interior-most part of the building.
  • In the event of a chemical or biological event, this designated area should be an interior, windowless room on the highest floor possible. Most dangerous hazardous agents are heavier than air and will settle on the ground level.
• Shut off all HVAC systems and fans, and, if there is no option but to be in a room with windows, ensure they are closed and covered.
• Encourage everyone sheltering in place to contact their emergency contact to let them know of their location and that they are safe.
• Have essential emergency supplies (your emergency kit) on hand to bring to the shelter-in-place area.
  It is very helpful to have a land-line telephone as well as a battery operated radio and television in this safe room for communication purposes. Cellular towers may be overloaded, so a land-line could be very valuable in a disaster.
• Take your knowledge home with you as well to ensure that your family is as safe as possible in the event of a disaster.