SHELTER IN PLACE

• Close the school. Go inside/stay calm. If your eyes, nose or throat become irritated, protect by covering your mouth and nose with several layers of damp cloth and take frequent shallow breaths.
• Activate the school’s emergency plan. Follow reverse evacuation procedures to bring students, faculty, and staff indoors.
• If there are visitors in the building, provide for their safety by asking them to stay – not leave. When authorities provide directions to shelter-in-place, they want everyone to take those steps now, where they are, and not drive or walk outdoors.
• Provide for a way to make announcements over the school-wide public address system to all areas of the building.
• If children have cell phones, allow them to use them to call a parent or guardian to let them know that they have been asked to remain in school until further notice, and that they are safe.
• If the school has voice mail or an automated attendant, change the recording to indicate that the school is closed, students and staff are remaining in the building until authorities advise that it is safe to leave. Use the telephone for emergencies only (713.266.3341).  For emergencies dial 911. For information on the chemical emergency you may call 281.476.CAER(2237). This number has been established by local industry to keep citizens informed of activities and emergencies at local chemical facilities.
• Provide directions to close and lock all windows, exterior doors, and any other openings to the outside.
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, direct that window shades, blinds, or curtains be closed.
• Have employees familiar with your building’s mechanical systems turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Some systems automatically provide for exchange of inside air with outside air – these systems, in particular, need to be turned off, sealed, or disabled.
• Gather essential disaster supplies, such as nonperishable food, bottled water, battery-powered radios, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and plastic garbage bags.
• Select interior room(s) above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit in. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary. Classrooms may be used if there are no windows or the windows are sealed and cannot be opened. Large storage closets, utility room, and meeting rooms without exterior windows will also work well.
• Bring everyone into designated rooms. Shut and lock the door.
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door(s) and any vents into the room.
• Write down the names of everyone in the room.  Designated school officials will be assigned to each staff person.
• Listen for an official announcement from school officials via the public address system, and stay where you are until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

Emergency Supply Kit:

Bottled water
Canned food that does not need to be cooked
Can opener and utensils
Candy bars or granola bars
Medications and aspirin
First aid kit
Blankets and pillows (provided by parents)
Flashlight with fresh batteries (or candles and matches or a lighter)
Battery-operated radio (keep radio turned on)
Duct or masking tape and towels to seal doors, windows, vents, and electrical outlets.
If you have a baby, include supplies such as diapers, formula, blankets, and extra clothing (provided by parents)