• Introduction: Preparing for an emergency
• Quick Checklist
• Your emergency preparedness kit
• Keeping informed
• Contact information
• Handling mail safely
• Reporting suspicious activity
• When electrical power is lost
• Emergency shelter
• Checking on relatives and neighbors
• Evacuation
• Chemical/biological emergencies
• Emergency planning for pets
• Emergency planning for businesses
• Making financial preparations
• Children in school
• Keeping warm
• Links to Additional Information

Falcon Heights Home Guide to Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Shelter

When conditions warrant, local officials may instruct residents to seek shelter in their homes or establish community-based shelters for local residents. Normally, shelters are set up in public schools, recreation centers or other appropriate facilities where residents can seek refuge as well as sleep and eat.

Persons needing shelter are asked to bring a change of clothing, bathing and sanitary supplies, pre-filled prescription and other medical needs, denture and eye care materials, and special dietary supplies or requirements.

With the exception of service animals, pets are generally not permitted in the shelters.

If local officials advise you to "shelter in place," they mean for you to remain indoors and protect yourself there.

Take your children and pets indoors immediately.

Get your disaster supplies kit, and make sure the radio is working.

Go to an interior room without windows that's above ground level.

In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.

While gathering your family, you should:

• Close all windows, exterior doors and fireplace dampers.
• Turn off all fans, heating, and air conditioning systems.
• Wet some towels and jam them in the cracks under the doors.
• Tape around the doors, windows, exhaust fans and vents.
• Use plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets, and heat registers.
• Close the window shades, blinds or curtains if you are told there is a danger of explosion.
• Stay inside and keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.

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