INFORMATION SHEET
SHELTERING IN PLACE
What is sheltering in place?
Remaining in your home or office and taking shelter rather than evacuating is called "sheltering in place". This instruction from emergency response leaders protects people from hazards, including major storms, radiation emergencies, acts of war, or when travel is dangerous.
During most emergencies, the safest place in your house is a centrally located room or basement with as few windows as possible.
What can you do?
Listen to your radio or television for instructions from emergency response leaders. Remain in place until they say it’s safe to leave. Prepare emergency supplies including:
- Food with a long shelf life
Canned, dried and packaged food products. Store enough food for each member of the household for at least 3 days. - Water
Purchase and store bottled water or store water from the tap. Each person in the household will need about 1 gallon per day. Plan on storing enough water for at least 3 days. - A change of clothes and shoes
Include underwear, socks, sturdy shoes or work boots, and winter or summer clothes as needed. - Other items
Battery-operated radio and batteries, flashlight and batteries, hand-operated can opener, first aid kit, toiletries, paper plates, paper towels and plastic utensils, plastic bags, bedding, essential medicines, extra eyeglasses or contact lenses, cash, telephone or cell phone, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizers, duct tape and heavy plastic sheeting, pet food, baby food, games and books.
Whom do you call?
- Delaware Division of Public Health: 1-888-295-5156
- County emergency operations centers:
- (302) 573-2855 in New Castle
- (302) 735-3465 in Kent
- (302) 855-7801 in Sussex
For more information:
- Visit the CDC website for Emergency Preparedness and Response: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/
- Visit the Delaware Emergency Management Agency: http://www.state.de.us/dema/default.shtml
