Sheltering in Place

Where, inside, are the safest places to be?

Some emergencies — such as fire — will require you to get out fast, while others may require that you stay. Make sure that everyone in your studio knows the best escape route, as well as a secondary one.

What to do if you can’t or shouldn’t leave your studio?

There’s been a disaster. The electricity is down, so you’re relying for information on your battery run/solar/crank radio. The news being broadcast about the emergency says that roads are blocked with debris and water. You need to stay where you are.

When the situation dictates that you do not evacuate, make sure everyone in your studio knows where the safest places are for each type of emergency situation.

For these shelter-in-place situations:

1. High Winds/Hurricane/Tornado:

Stay indoors during the storm and away from windows and glass doors.
Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
Take refuge in a basement, small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm. Winds may pick up again.
Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Listen to the radio or television for information.

2. Flood:

If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Don’t wait to be told to move!
Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
Listen to the radio or television for information.
Remember, if you have to leave your studio or home, do not walk or drive through moving water. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

3. Earthquake:

Don't Panic and Don't Run, and especially don't run outside if you are inside. You may be hit by falling debris. Running during an earthquake is very difficult and you are likely to fall and injure yourself.
Drop, Cover, Hold On - Find a spot to wait out the earthquake, next to an inside wall under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table that will protect you from falling debris. Hold on to a table leg or part of the furniture.
Stay away from windows, mirrors and pictures where glass could shatter, and from areas where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
Turn off gas, water and electricity.
Listen to the radio or television for information.
Be prepared for after-shocks.

Drop, Cover, Hold On is the mantra for what to do when an earthquake strikes. Dropcoverholdon.org has tips for protecting yourself during a quake, and you can test your knowledge on preparing a room for a quake with their game "Beat the Quake."

California, the Central U.S., and states in other siesmic zones have periodic "ShakeOuts" or earthquake preparedness drills. Find out what is happening and get information on how to participate at www.shakeout.org.

Drop, Cover, Hold On from mysafela.org on Vimeo.