What is a shelter-in-place directive and when is it issued?

• A. Instructions for occupants to stay indoors and seal openings; used during hazardous releases or active threats
• B. Evacuate the building immediately
• C. Move to a designated shelter on the outside
• D. Post safety notices at building exits

Answer: (A)

Staying indoors and taking steps to keep outside hazards from entering is the essence of a shelter-in-place directive. It’s issued when a danger is outside the structure or airborne, such as a chemical release, smoke, or an active threat nearby, and moving outside would expose people to that hazard. The goal is to minimize exposure while responders handle the situation, not to evacuate.

To follow it, occupants should stay inside, close and seal doors and windows, and shut off HVAC systems or refrain from pulling air from the outside if advised. Move to a safe interior room with few or no windows if possible, and listen to official updates for when it’s safe to resume normal activities. A shelter-in-place is different from leaving the building or moving to an external shelter, and it is not about posting notices.