Shelter-in-place

Learn what to do if a shelter-in-place advisory is given and how you can prepare.

Overview

Sheltering in place means protecting yourself by finding the safest nearby area and maximizing distance and barriers from the threat. The specific action will depend on the type of hazard and your location. Authorities will issue a shelter-in-place advisory if it is determined that an outside hazard is a threat to life safety and an evacuation would pose a greater risk.

Planning for any situation is ideal. Consider the places you or your household may commonly be such as: at work, at school, travelling or struck in traffic, etc. Each situation will require a different approach if you need to shelter in place. Take a few minutes to identify spaces in these situations that could become a shelter if needed. 

If advised to shelter in place:

  • Bring everyone inside
  • Gather your emergency supplies
  • Secure your shelter
  • Listen to direction from authorities 

Reasons to shelter

Translated resources 

Educational materials you can read, print and download to share online and within your community. Translated versions are available in українською (Ukrainian), عربي (Arabic), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Deutsch (High German), Plautdietsch (Low German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and Tagalog (Tagalog).