Shelter in Place

Evacuations are becoming a more frequent occurrence. Hurricanes, forest fires, flooding, and residential fires are some of the reasons people are evacuated from their homes to places of safety. But, when an evacuation is not recommended, or you simply can’t evacuate you’ll need to shelter in place.

Frequently a shelter in place scenario has no, or very little, preparation time. So getting prepared now is important. Once indoors, you’ll need to close all windows, shut down a/c units and any other device that may be drawing in outside air. If you have plastic and duct tape, use it to seal around doors and windows. An emergency, battery powered/hand crank radio is essential to have on hand in order to get direction from local authorities (cell service may not work). Emergency supplies, food and water will also be necessary.

Know where your children and pets are. Know what the plans are for their safety and well-being during an extended period. Understand what measures are in place in your community to make sure you and your family stay safe in the event you may not be able to leave your home for an extended period. Sheltering in place is a scenario we don’t like to think about but making sure you have the necessary supplies and knowledge to do so is a whole lot better than finding out you don’t when there’s a shelter-in-place order.

Following is a quick list of what to have on hand.

• Medication
• Food - always keep a supply of prepared food. A rule of thumb is 2,000 calories per person per day
• Sanitary items such as toilet paper and soap
• Water and water purification
• A roll of plastic
• Duct tape
• A hand crank radio
• Medical supplies

The supplies in the VLES designs go bag are comprehensive; if you have a VLES designs go bag you will need the following supplies:

• Medication
• Food - always keep a supply of prepared food. A rule of thumb is 2,000 calories per person per day
• Sanitary items such as toilet paper and soap
• A roll of plastic

These are the bare essentials, and you need to consider your own needs. It takes very little time to assemble what is necessary to shelter in place, but it is time well spent.