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SHELTER
IN PLACE STUDY
As a follow-up to
the Risk Management Program in 1999, the Deer Park LEPC hired
Radian Corporation to study the impact of toxic releases on
the community to insure that Shelter In Place procedures are
adequate for protecting our residents. Radian tested
a variety of homes, schools, and businesses in Deer Park,
including one- and two- story structures, new structures and
older structures that may lack modern insulation standards.
After an extensive
study, the following conclusions and recommendations were
reached:
CONCLUSIONS
1.
In case of a release of toxic chemicals in your area, going
into your home, a nearby building such as a store or church,
or a parked vehicle offers substantially more protection that
remaining outside.
2.
Home and businesses provide the best protection if prior planning
is used to select and equip a "Shelter In Place"
Room. Such a room can be easily sealed using plastic
sheeting, masking tape, and towels (items that many homeowners
already have or can purchase at a local hardware store).
3.
Based on Radian's tests, Deer Park school classrooms offer
students and staff comparable protection in case of a toxic
chemical release.
4.
Once the emergency is over and the "all clear" has
been sounded, homes and buildings should be aired out to remove
any chemical fumes which might linger in the non-sealed portion
of the structure.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1.
In case of a release of toxic chemicals in your area, you
should immediately seek protection in the nearest building
such as your home. If you cannot shelter inside a building,
sheltering inside your parked vehicle with the ventilation
system turned off is a safe alternative to remaining outdoors.
2.
Once inside a safe shelter, follow the Shelter In Place procedures
taught by Wally Wise Guy: close all doors and windows,
turn off the air conditioning or heating system, turn on your
radio to AM 530, and stay off the telephone to keep lines
open for emergency use.
3.
Select an interior room inside your home or business that
is most easily sealed from outside air. Plan to use
this room as your Shelter In Place Room. Because of
the difficulty of sealing rooms with window air conditioners,
window fans, attic fans, and wall heaters should be avoided
as Shelter In Place Rooms, if possible.
  
4.
A Shelter In Place Kit should be stored inside your Shelter
In Place Room. This kit should contain the following
items:
-
Masking tape
(2-3 inches wide)
-
Plastic film
or sheets (such as using for painting drop cloths)
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Towels or sheets
for sealing under doors
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Battery powered
radio and extra batteries
-
Flashlight and
extra batteries
-
Bottled water
or access to running water
5.
Pre-cut the plastic film to fit over all windows, air conditioner
vents, and electrical outlets in your Shelter In Place Room.
Use the wide masking tape to secure the plastic sheets to
the walls. Use the wide masking tape to seal between
the door and door frame. Lay a slightly wet towel or
sheet along the bottom of the door.
6.
While you are safely sheltered in place, stay tuned to AM
530 for more information. Stay inside until the All
Clear is given, then remove the masking tape and plastic sheets.
Open all doors and windows, turn on your air conditioning
or heating system, and "air out" your home or building
for 15-30 minutes.
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