“Safe Room” Planning

You may be asked to shelter-in-place in the event of a chemical accident. Plans should be made beforehand as to where to go in your house to provide the most protection. This area is known as the “safe room.” Your room should:

1. Be easy to seal off
2. Have a minimum number of windows and/or doors
3. Have a minimum number of exhaust fans, vents, or fireplaces
4. If possible, provide access to water and toilet facilities
5. If possible, have adequate room to sit or lie down
6. If possible, have access to a telephone, or to have a phone brought into it
7. Be where occupants can be the most comfortable

After the room has been selected, plastic sheets should be measured and cut to cover all of the windows, doors, vents, and any other gaps found. These pieces should be marked, and placed with your disaster supplies inside the “safe room.”