Emergency Management
SHELTER IN PLACE and EVACUATIONS
SHELTER IN PLACE
A hazardous materials emergency or bio-terrorism incident may require citizens to stay in the building where they are when the incident occurs. This Shelter in Place concept can be very effective in protecting you, your family and co-workers. If ordered to Shelter in Place, all windows and doors should be closed and not opened again except in an emergency or when the danger has passed. Plastic trash bags and/or duct tape can be used to obtain a better seal against outside air. When taking shelter, turn off all vent fans, air conditioning and heating systems as these items may pull outside air into the structure. Do not use open flame devices for light or heating.
There should be a household preparedness kit ready for use in your home that can be carried to your automobile for trips or evacuations. It is also suggested that basic items for the kit be kept in the work place.
LOCAL EVACUATIONS
Some incidents may require the evacuation of a neighborhood, apartment complex or work place. Examples may include, but are not limited to fires, weather emergencies, loss of public utilities, a bomb threat, or hazardous materials emergency. In most of these cases the evacuation is of short duration and evacuees can go to friends or relatives homes away form the affected area or to a designated short-term shelter. If asked to evacuate by public safety personnel every effort will be made to provide instructions relating to evacuation routes, and the location of temporary shelters. It is strongly suggested that each family have a household preparedness kit or "go bag" ready for these incidents.
MASS EVACUATIONS
The President of the United States may order a mass evacuation of a metropolitan area. There is a specific plan that has been developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The plan is designated as The Crisis Relocation Plan and can only be activated by the President.
The concept of the plan is simple. Outlying counties located away from the large cities will serve as "host areas" and receive individuals for sheltering. Individuals being evacuated, based on the zip code where they are, will be told what city or county will be the host area. Host areas are usually fifty to seventy miles away from the large cities. Only in a severe national emergency would The Crisis Relocation Plan be activated.
SELF EVACUATION
Some citizens based on events or a personal belief that an emergency may occur will choose to initiate an evacuation or relocation of their family. If that is done, be sure to tell other family members and neighbors where you will be. Valuable time will be saved when trying to account for households in an emergency. If this action is taken, be prepared with a household preparedness kit.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL EVACUATIONS
- Have a household preparedness kit, perhaps one in the home and one in the car.
- Have a pre-determined location for members of your family to meet, well away from the affected area, perhaps in another city.
- Have a designated friend or relative, outside the metro area, that each family member will know to call or report to. Plan on all telephone and cell phone circuits in the metro area to be overloaded during a disaster or mass evacuation.
- Roadways will be very congested in a mass evacuation. Select the vehicle your family will use for an evacuation and don't take multiple vehicles. Once selected, be sure the vehicle is well maintained with good tires, battery, and ample fuel to make a one hundred-mile or more trip. Don't plan on stopping for fuel or groceries as that will take up valuable time.