Shelter-in-Place for

Active Shooter

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

An active shooter is an individual engaged in attempting 

to kill people in a confined space or populated area. Active 

shooters typically use firearms and have no pattern to their 

selection of victims.

Take Additional Safety Measures

If you see suspicious

activity, let an authority 

know right away.

When you enter buildings, 

take the time to identify two

exits and look for places

where you could hide. Get 

in the habit of doing this. It 

will help you to act quickly if 

you ever need to. 

Map out places to hide.

In rooms without windows, 

behind solid doors with

locks, under desks, or 

behind heavy furniture. 

Ask about plans for places you 

spend a lot of time, including 

workplaces, houses of worship, 

and schools. 

If you participate in an active

shooter drill, talk with your 

family about what you 

learned and how to apply 

it to other locations.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

Run. Hide. Fight.

First Officers on scene will not stop to help the injured. Their priority is 

to end the incident as fast as possible. Rescue teams will move in after the first 

officers and will treat and move the injured to safety.

Run

r Get away That is your top priority!

r Leave behind any belongings.

r Help others if you can, but you must escape.

r Warn others to stay away from the area.

r Call 9-1-1 when you are safe.

Hide

r Stay out of the shooter’s view.

r Lock and block entrances and turn off lights.

r Groups of people should spread out when hiding.

r Text 9-1-1 and text message others to silently communicate.

r Stay in place until given the-all-clear signal.

Silence electronic devices and make sure they don’t vibrate. 

Devices that buzz or ring will bring attention to places of hiding.

If you are in a

Manufactured or 

Mobile Home

If you are in a 

1- or 2-Story Building

May have an attic and/or 

basement

If you are in a

Multistory Building

Includes schools, apartments, 

and offices

For all structures

r stay inside 

r lock and block the doors 

r close blinds 

r turn off all the lights

Fight as a last resort!

r Commit to your actions. Fight. Do not hesitate.

r Be prepared to inflict severe injury to shooter.

r Throw objects or improvise weapons (staplers, scissors, chairs).

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

Stay in place 

until law 

enforcement 

gives you notice 

that the danger 

is over.

Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for

Chemical Hazard

If told not to evacuate or it is too late to evacuate 

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids 

and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals 

or plants. 

Take Additional Safety Measures

Go inside as quickly 

as possible. Bring any 

pets indoors.

Lock all doors and

windows for a better seal. 

Turn off the air conditioner 

or furnace, all fans, close 

the fireplace damper and 

any other place that air 

can come in from outside.

Use duct tape and plastic

to seal around doors and

windows in the room where 

you take shelter. 

Listen for current emergency 

information and instructions 

from authorities.

Do not drink water from the 

tap. Stored water will be 

safer.

Nov. 2021 Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

If you are in a 

Manufactured or 

Mobile Home

If you are in a 

1- or 2-Story Building

May have an attic and/or 

basement

If you are in a 

Multistory Building

Includes schools, apartments, 

and offices

For all locations, stay inside and minimize air flow by turning 

off all furnaces, air conditioners, fans, and heaters. 

If possible, further reduce exposure to the chemical hazard by 

using duct tape and plastic sheeting to:

r tape the gaps around doors and windows 

r cover any vents or recessed fans 

r tape over electrical outlets

Going to an interior room without windows will make it easier 

to seal the room. 

Turn off all fans, 

furnace or air 

conditioner.

Going to an interior 

room without 

windows will give 

you fewer locations 

to seal. 

Use duct tape and 

plastic sheeting 

to seal around the 

windows and doors. 

This will reduce 

contaminated air 

coming into the room. 

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

Shelteringin-place for 

a chemical 

hazard should 

not last longer 

than a few 

hours. Listen to 

authorities to 

know when it is 

safe to leave. 
Shelter-in-Place for

Earthquake

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

Earthquakes are the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, 

caused by the breaking and shifting of underground rock. 

Earthquakes can collapse buildings and cause heavy items 

to fall, resulting in injuries and property damage.

Take Additional Safety Measures

Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

· Drop to your hands and

knees so you don’t fall.

· Take Cover under sturdy

furniture. If not available,

tuck and cover your neck

and head with a coat,

blanket, cushion, or

your arms.

· Hold On to the furniture so

you stay covered.

· Crawl only if you can reach

better cover without going

through an area with more

debris.

Expect aftershocks. When 

they happen, Drop, Cover,

and Hold On again.

If you are in a high-rise 

building, expect fire alarms 

and sprinklers to go off. 

DO NOT use elevators.

Act now to secure TVs, shelves 

and other heavy furniture.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

DO NOT RUN OUTSIDE

IF OUTSIDE, STAY OUTSIDE

Nov. 2021

If you are in a

Manufactured or 

Mobile Home

If you are in a 

1- or 2-Story Building

May have an attic and/or 

basement

If you are in a

Multistory Building

Includes schools, apartments, 

and offices

Do not use 

elevators.

r Do not run outside.

r Do not stand in doorframes.

r Do not use elevators.

If you are outside, move 

away from buildings, 

drop, tuck your body, 

and cover your head. 

For all structures, stay where you are and Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

In bed, turn face down and 

cover your neck and head 

with a pillow or your arms. 

Drop, take cover under a 

sturdy table, hold on and 

cover your neck and head. 

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

Stay in the Drop, 

Cover, and Hold 

On position until 

shaking stops.

After the 

shaking stops:

• If in a

damaged

building, go

outside and

move away

from the

building.

• If trapped,

send a text or

bang on a

pipe or wall

instead of

shouting.

• If in an area

at risk of

tsunami,

move inland.
Shelter-in-Place for

Flooding/Flash Flooding

If told not to evacuate or it is too late to evacuate 

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the 

United States. Floods may develop slowly or quickly 

without warning. Flash flooding is due to an extreme 

volume of water in a short period caused by heavy 

rainfall, a levee or dam failure, or a sudden release of 

water by a debris or ice jam. 

Take Additional Safety Measures

Go inside as quickly as 

possible. Bring any pets 

indoors.

If told to evacuate, do so

immediately. 

• Do not drive around

barricades.

• Stay off bridges over

fast moving water. Turn

around. Don’t drown®

• If your vehicle is trapped in

rapidly moving water, stay

 inside. If water is rising inside 

 the vehicle, get on the roof 

 and call 911. 

Use a generator or other 

gasoline—powered machinery 

ONLY outdoors and 20 feet 

from the house and away 

from windows.

Listen for current emergency 

information and instructions.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information. Nov. 2021

If you are in a

Manufactured or 

Mobile Home

If you are in a 

1- or 2-Story Building

May have an attic and/or 

basement

If you are in a

Multistory Building

Includes schools, apartments, 

and offices

For all structures:

If the floodwaters rise to a dangerous level:

r Go to the highest level of the building or 

onto the roof if necessary. 

r Do not climb into a closed attic—you may 

become trapped by rising flood water. 

r Call 911.

Take your go-bag and critical documents with you.

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

If you are safe, 

stay inside 

until local 

authorities 

provide other 

instructions.

If you are in 

danger call 911. 
Shelter-in-Place for

Hurricane (High Wind, 

Flooding and Storm Surge)

If told not to evacuate or it is too late to evacuate 

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over 

warm ocean waters and move toward land. Threats 

from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rainfall, 

storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, 

tornadoes, and landslides.

Take Additional Safety Measures

If floodwaters rise to a 

dangerous level, go to the 

highest level of the building. 

Do not climb into a closed 

attic—you may become 

trapped by rising flood water.

Go inside as quickly as 

possible. Bring any pets 

indoors.

Use a generator or other 

gasoline—powered machinery 

ONLY outdoors and 20 feet 

from the house and away from 

windows.

Save phone calls for 

emergencies. Use text 

messages or social media 

to communicate.

Listen for current emergency 

information and instructions.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

If you are in a Manufactured or Mobile Home

Get out! Go to the nearest shelter. 

Manufactured structures such as 

mobile homes are unsafe during 

a hurricane.

Do not walk, swim, or drive through 

flood waters.

Take your go-bag and 

critical documents with you.

Nov. 2021

If you are in a 

1- or 2-Story Building

May have an attic and/or basement

If you are in a

Multistory Building

Includes schools, apartments, and offices

For both structures

Take your go-bag and 

critical documents with you.

For flood or storm surge danger:

r Go to the highest level of the 

 building or onto the roof if necessary. 

r Do not climb into a closed attic—you 

 may become trapped by rising flood 

 water. 

r Call 911.

For high wind: Go to a small, interior, 

windowless room in a sturdy building 

on the lowest level. 

Do not

shelter-in-place

Leave 

immediately. 

Go to the 

nearest shelter 

location. 

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

Stay inside until 

local authorities 

provide other 

instructions.

If told to 

evacuate, do so 

immediately. 

Do not drive 

around 

barricades. 

Stay off bridges 

over fast-moving 

water. Turn 

Around, Don’t 

Drown®
Shelter-in-Place for

Nuclear Detonation

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

Nuclear explosions include an intensely bright flash, a 

blast wave, and radioactive fallout (the dirt mixed with 

radioactive material that falls to the earth after the 

explosion). Radioactive fallout generally begins to collect 

about 10 minutes after the explosion. This gives you time 

to find adequate shelter.

Get In. Stay In. Tune In. 

Get inside the nearest building 

to protect yourself from 

radiation. Brick or concrete are 

best. Bring any pets indoors.

Go to the basement or middle 

of the building. Stay away 

from the outer walls and roof 

because radioactive material 

will collect there. 

Close windows and doors, If 

possible, turn off units that bring 

in air from the outside.

Stay inside for 24 hours unless 

local authorities provide other 

instructions. It is important to 

wait for the radiation to decay.

Listen for instructions from 

authorities.

Take Additional Safety Measures

If you were outside after the 

fallout arrived, remove your

outer layer of clothing and put 

it away from people and pets. 

Brush off any fallout and, if 

possible, wash exposed skin 

and hair.

Family members and caregivers 

should not leave to get their 

children. Schools/Day cares have 

plans and are caring for your 

children. Reunite later to avoid 

exposure to dangerous radiation.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

Get In. Stay In. Tune In.

If you are in a

Manufactured or 

Mobile Home

If you cannot make it 

to a brick or concrete 

structure, shelter in the 

middle of the structure.

Stay away from 

the outer walls, 

windows and roof. 

If you are in a 

1- or 2-Story Building

May have an attic and/or 

basement

Go to the 

basement 

or lowest 

level in the 

structure.

If you don’t 

have a basement, 

take shelter 

on the first or 

middle floor.

Stay away from 

the outer walls, 

windows and roof. 

If you are in a

Multistory Building

Includes schools, apartments, 

and offices

Go to the 

basement, 

parking 

levels or 

other lowest 

level in the 

structure.

Stay away from 

the outer walls, 

windows and roof. 

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

Stay inside for 

24 hours unless 

authorities 

provide other 

instructions, or 

your building is 

threatened by fire 

or collapse. This 

will protect you 

from radioactive 

fallout. 

Tune into any 

communication 

channel or 

media available 

for official 

information on 

when it is safe to 

exit and where 

you should go. 

when it is safe to 

exit and where 

you should go.

Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for

Pandemic

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several 

countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics 

are most often caused by viruses that can spread easily 

from person to person. Most people will not be immune 

and a vaccine may not exist right away.

Take Additional Safety Measures

Stay at home as much as 

possible and stay away from 

others that are sick.

Wash hands frequently 

with soap and water for 20 

seconds. Hand sanitizer with 

60% alcohol may be used if 

soap and water is not available.

Wear a mask when you are 

out of the home, caring for 

someone who is sick, or if 

you are around others when 

you are sick.

Practice good health

habits. Get plenty of sleep, be 

physically active, manage your 

stress, drink plenty of fluids, 

and eat nutritious food.

Keep physical distance

from others. Practice keeping 

at least 6 feet apart. Limit 

close, face-to-face contact with 

others.

Listen for current emergency 

information 

and instructions.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public.

Follow CDC Guidelines.

Face masks protect the wearer and others by reducing the spread of a virus.

N95

 Mask

· Tight fitting

· Filters at

least 95%

of large and

small airborne

particles

· Disposable

Surgical 

 Mask

· Looser

fitting

· Contains

large

droplets

· Disposable

Cloth Face 

Covering

· Looser

fitting

· Two layers

contain large

droplets

· Reusable

with washing

If you are in a

Manufactured or 

Mobile Home

If you are in a 

1- or 2-Story Building

May have an attic and/or 

basement

If you are in a

Multistory Building

Includes schools, apartments, 

and offices

Nov. 2021

For all structures, stay at home as much as 

possible to reduce exposure to the virus..

What to do 

Minimize trips outside to only 

essential requirements, e.g. buy 

two weeks of food at a time.

Create an emergency plan so that 

you and your family know what to 

do and what you will need in case 

an outbreak happens. Consider 

how a pandemic may affect your 

plans for other emergencies.

Gather supplies in case you 

need to stay home for several 

days or weeks. Supplies may 

include cleaning supplies, nonperishable foods, prescriptions, 

and bottled water. Buy supplies 

slowly to ensure that everyone 

has the opportunity to buy what 

they need. Remember that not 

everyone can afford to stock up 

immediately. Consider avoiding 

WIC-labeled products so that 

those who rely on these products 

can access them.

Quarantine vs. Isolation

All people should shelter in 

place as much as possible

Quarantine separates and 

restricts the movement of 

people who were exposed 

to a contagious disease to 

see if they become sick. 

Isolation separates sick 

people with a contagious 

disease from people who 

are not sick.

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

If you believe 

you’ve been 

exposed to 

the disease, 

contact your 

doctor, follow 

the quarantine 

instructions 

from medical 

providers, and 

monitor your 

symptoms. 

If you’re 

experiencing 

a medical 

emergency, 

call 9-1-1 and 

shelter in place 

with a mask, if 

possible, until 

help arrives.
Shelter-in-Place for

Thunderstorm

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from 

weather-related hazards. Thunderstorms are dangerous 

storms that include lighting.

Take Additional Safety Measures

When thunder roars, go

indoors. A sturdy building 

is the safest place to be 

during a thunderstorm.

Go inside as quickly as 

possible. Bring any pets 

indoors.

If necessary, take shelter

in a car with a metal top 

and sides. Do not touch 

anything metal. 

Get to land if boating or 

swimming. Find a sturdy, 

grounded shelter or vehicle 

immediately. 

Pay attention to weather 

reports and warnings of 

thunderstorms. Be ready to 

change plans, if necessary, 

to be near shelter.

Listen for current 

emergency information 

and instructions.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

If you are in a

Manufactured or 

Mobile Home

If you are in a 

1- or 2-Story Building

May have an attic and/or 

basement

If you are in a

Multistory Building

Includes schools, apartments, 

and offices

For all structures, stay inside.

Avoid running water or 

using landlines phones 

as electricity can travel 

through plumbing and 

phone lines. 

Nov. 2021

What to do 

Unplug appliances and other electric devices to avoid surges.

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

Listen to 

authorities 

and weather

forecasts for 

information 

on whether it is 

safe to go outside 

and instructions 

regarding 

potential

flash flooding.
Shelter-in-Place for

Tornado

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend 

from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy 

buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. 

Take Additional Safety Measures

Take additional cover by 

shielding your head and 

neck with your arms and 

putting materials such as 

furniture and blankets 

around you.

Go inside as quickly as 

possible. Bring any pets 

indoors.

Do not enter damaged 

buildings until you are 

told that they are safe.

If you are trapped, cover 

your mouth with a cloth or 

mask to avoid breathing 

dust. Try to send a text, 

bang on a pipe or wall, or 

use a whistle instead 

of shouting.

Take your go-bag and 

critical documents with you. 

Listen for current 

emergency information 

and instructions from 

authorities.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

If you are in a Manufactured or Mobile Home

Get out! Go to a safe room, storm shelter, 

or sturdy building as soon as possible. 

Manufactured structures such as mobile 

homes are unsafe during a tornado.

Take your go-bag and critical 

documents with you.

If you are in a 1- or 2-Story Building May have an attic and/or basement

If you don’t have 

basement, take 

shelter on the 

first floor.

Basement or

lowest level in 

the structure

Go to a small, interior, 

windowless room in a 

sturdy building on the 

lowest level.

Take your go-bag and 

critical documents 

with you.

If you are in a Multistory Building Includes schools, apartments, and offices

Go to a small, interior, 

windowless room in a 

sturdy building on the 

lowest level.

Basement, parking 

levels or other 

lowest level in the 

structure

Take your go-bag and 

critical documents 

with you.

Do not 

shelter-in-place

Leave 

immediately. 

Do not stay

inside.

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

Stay inside 

until weather 

forecasts and 

local authorities 

indicate it is 

safe to leave. 

Use extreme 

care when 

leaving a 

building as 

there may be 

dangerous 

debris. 

Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for

Winter Storm

When disaster strikes, it may be safer to stay in your home, 

place of employment, or other location. Learn where to go, 

what to do, and how long you should shelter-in-place for the 

hazards in your area.

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, 

hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and 

heart attacks from overexertion. 

Take Additional Safety Meas

Limit your time outside. 

If you need to go outside 

wear layers of warm clothing 

and avoid overexertion. 

Watch for signs of frostbite 

and hypothermia. 

Bring any pets indoors.

If trapped in your car, 

stay inside.

Check on neighbors. Older 

adults and young children 

are more at risk in extreme 

cold. 

Avoid carbon monoxide

poisoning. Use a generator 

and other gasolinepowered machinery 

ONLY outdoors, 20 feet from 

the house and away from 

windows. Never 

heat your home with a 

gas stove top or oven.

Listen for current 

emergency information 

and instructions.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

If you are in a

Manufactured or 

Mobile Home

If you are in a 

1- or 2-Story Building

May have an attic and/or 

basement

If you are in a

Multistory Building

Includes schools, apartments, 

and offices

ures

For all structures, stay inside

and limit your time outside.

Avoid carbon monoxide 

poisoning by using 

generators and grills ONLY 

outdoors, 20 feet from 

the house and away from 

windows.

What to do if power goes out

If power goes out keep freezers 

and refrigerators closed. 

Monitor temperatures with a 

thermometer. 

Monitor medication that requires 

refrigeration. 

Turn off or disconnect appliances, 

equipment or electronics to avoid spikes 

that can cause damage. 

How long to 

shelter-in-place?

Stay inside until 

local authorities 

provide other 

instructions.

Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for Manufactured or Mobile Home

Active Shooter

Run. Hide. Fight.

What to do: Run away from shooter. 

Call 911 if safe to do so. Hide if 

you cannot get away safely. Silence 

electronic devices. Lock and block 

doors, close blinds, turn off lights. 

Fight as a last resort.

How long to stay: If you are not able 

to run to safety, stay in place until law 

enforcement gives you notice that the 

danger is over.

Hurricane (High Wind,

Flooding, Storm Surge)

Evacuate immediately. 

Do not stay inside. Go to a 

storm shelter or sturdy building. 

Manufactured structures such as 

mobile homes are unsafe during a 

hurricane.

Thunderstorm

Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside.

What to do: Pay attention to weather 

reports. Be ready to change plans 

if necessary. Unplug appliances, 

avoid using running water or landline 

phones.

How long to stay: For the length of 

the storm.

Winter Storm

Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside. 

Limit time outside. 

What to do: Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by 

using generators and grills ONLY outdoors, 20 feet 

from the house and away from windows. Never 

heat a building with a gas stove top or oven.

How long to stay: For the length of the storm.

Flooding Flash Flooding

Shelter-in-Place: If the floodwaters rise to a dangerous level, get on the 

roof if possible and call 911.

What to do: Listen for current emergency information and instructions. Use a 

generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and 20 feet from 

the house and away from windows.

How long to stay: Stay inside until authorities indicate it is safe to leave.

Nuclear Detonation 

Shelter-in-Place: Get inside 

nearest building, brick or concrete 

buildings are best. Go to a basement 

or middle of the building. 

What to do: Remove contaminated 

clothing, wipe off or wash unprotected 

skin if you were outside after the 

fallout arrived.

How long to stay: Stay inside for 24 

hours unless local authorities provide 

other instructions. Leave if the building 

is on fire or may collapse. 

Tornado

Evacuate Immediately. 

Do not stay inside. Evacuate to a 

safe room, storm shelter, or sturdy 

building. Manufactured structures 

such as mobile homes are unsafe 

during a tornado.

Chemical Hazard

Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside and 

seal the room. Use duct tape and 

plastic sheeting to seal around the 

windows and doors. 

What to do: Lock all doors and 

windows. Drink stored water, not 

water from the tap. Turn off the air 

conditioner, furnace, and fans. Close

the fireplace damper and seal off any 

other place where air may come in 

from outside.

How long to stay: Should not last 

longer than a few hours. Listen to 

authorities to know when it is safe 

to leave.

Pandemic

Shelter-in-Place: Stay Home. 

Minimize access to your home from 

anyone not isolating with you.

What to do: Reduce trips outside to 

only essential requirements. Clean 

surfaces often with disinfectant. 

Wash hands for 20 seconds 

frequently with soap. Avoid touching 

your eyes, nose, or mouth. Gather 

supplies in case you need to stay 

home for several days or weeks.

How long to stay: As advised by local 

public health officials.

Visit www.fema.gov for more information

Earthquake

Shelter-in-Place: Stay where 

you are and Drop, Cover, and Hold 

On. Get under and hold on to sturdy 

furniture. Protect the head and neck 

with arms or pillows. 

What to do: Drop, Cover and Hold

On. If in a bed, turn onto stomach 

and cover your head and neck with

a pillow.

How long to stay: Until the shaking 

stops. 

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for 1- or 2-Story Building May have an attic and/or basement

Flooding Flash Flooding

Shelter-in-Place: If the floodwaters rise to a dangerous level, get on the 

roof if possible and call 911.

What to do: Listen for current emergency information and instructions. Use a 

generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and 20 feet from 

the house and away from windows.

How long to stay: Stay inside until authorities indicate it is safe to leave.

Active Shooter

Run. Hide. Fight.

What to do: Run away from shooter. 

Call 911 if safe to do so. Hide if 

you cannot get away safely. Silence 

electronic devices. Lock and block 

doors, close blinds, turn off lights. 

Fight as a last resort.

How long to stay: If you are not able 

to run to safety, stay in place until law 

enforcement gives you notice that the 

danger is over.

Hurricane (High Wind, Flooding, Storm Surge)

Shelter-in-Place: For high wind go to a windowless 

room on the lowest level. For flooding go as high as 

possible but not into the attic.

What to do: For high wind, go to a small, interior, 

windowless room in the lowest level. 

How long to stay: Stay inside until local authorities 

provide other instructions.

Thunderstorm

Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside.

What to do: Pay attention to weather 

reports. Be ready to change plans 

if necessary. Unplug appliances, 

avoid using running water or landline 

phones.

How long to stay: For the length of 

the storm.

Winter Storm

Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside. 

Limit time outside. 

What to do: Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by 

using generators and grills ONLY outdoors, 20 feet 

from the house and away from windows. Never 

heat a building with a gas stove top or oven.

How long to stay: For the length of the storm.

Tornado

Shelter-in-Place: Go to a small, 

interior, windowless room, in the 

lowest level.

What to do: Protect your head and 

neck. Take additional cover by putting 

blankets around you.

How long to stay: Stay inside 

until weather forecasts and local 

authorities say it is safe to do so. Use 

extreme care when leaving a building 

as there may be dangerous debris. 

Nuclear Detonation

Shelter-in-Place: Go to a 

basement or middle of the

building. Stay away from the outer 

walls and roof.

What to do: Remove contaminated 

clothing and wipe off or wash 

unprotected skin if you were outside 

after the fallout arrived.

How long to stay: Stay inside for 24 

hours unless local authorities provide 

other instructions, or the building is on 

fire or in danger of collapsing.

Pandemic

Shelter-in-Place: Stay Home. 

Minimize access to your home from 

anyone not isolating with you.

What to do: Reduce trips outside to 

only essential requirements. Clean 

surfaces often with disinfectant. 

Wash hands for 20 seconds 

frequently with soap. Avoid touching 

your eyes, nose, or mouth. Gather 

supplies in case you need to stay 

home for several days or weeks.

How long to stay: As advised by local 

public health officials.

Earthquake

Shelter-in-Place: Stay where 

you are and Drop, Cover, and Hold 

On. Get under and hold on to sturdy 

furniture. Protect the head and neck 

with arms or pillows. 

What to do: Drop, Cover and Hold

On. If in a bed, turn onto stomach 

and cover your head and neck with

a pillow.

How long to stay: Until the shaking 

stops. 

Chemical Hazard

Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside and 

seal the room. Use duct tape and 

plastic sheeting to seal around the 

windows and doors. 

What to do: Lock all doors and 

windows. Drink stored water, not 

water from the tap. Turn off the air 

conditioner, furnace, and fans. Close

the fireplace damper and seal off any 

other place where air may come in 

from outside.

How long to stay: Should not last 

longer than a few hours. Listen to 

authorities to know when it is safe 

to leave.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

Nov. 2021
Shelter-in-Place for Multistory Buildings Includes condos, apartments, offices, and schools

Tornado

Shelter-in-Place: Go to a small, 

interior, windowless room, in the 

lowest level.

What to do: Protect your head and 

neck. Take additional cover by putting 

blankets around you.

How long to stay: Stay inside 

until weather forecasts and local 

authorities say it is safe to do so. Use 

extreme care when leaving a building 

as there may be dangerous debris. 

Flooding Flash Flooding

Shelter-in-Place: If the floodwaters rise to a dangerous level, get on the 

roof if possible and call 911.

What to do: Listen for current emergency information and instructions. Use a 

generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and 20 feet from 

the house and away from windows.

How long to stay: Stay inside until authorities indicate it is safe to leave.

Active Shooter

Run. Hide. Fight.

What to do: Run away from shooter. 

Call 911 if safe to do so. Hide if 

you cannot get away safely. Silence 

electronic devices. Lock and block 

doors, close blinds, turn off lights. 

Fight as a last resort.

How long to stay: If you are not able 

to run to safety, stay in place until law 

enforcement gives you notice that the 

danger is over.

Thunderstorm

Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside.

What to do: Pay attention to weather 

reports. Be ready to change plans 

if necessary. Unplug appliances, 

avoid using running water or landline 

phones.

How long to stay: For the length of 

the storm.

Winter Storm

Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside. 

Limit time outside. 

What to do: Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by 

using generators and grills ONLY outdoors, 20 feet 

from the house and away from windows. Never 

heat a building with a gas stove top or oven.

How long to stay: For the length of the storm.

Nuclear Detonation

Shelter-in-Place: Go to a 

basement or middle of the

building. Stay away from the outer 

walls and roof. Take shelter in a 

basement, underground parking 

garage, or other lowest level in the 

structure.

What to do: Remove contaminated 

clothing and wipe off or wash 

unprotected skin if you were outside 

after the fallout arrived.

How long to stay: Stay inside for 24 

hours unless local authorities provide 

other instructions, or the building is on 

fire or in danger of collapsing.

Earthquake

Shelter-in-Place: Stay where 

you are and Drop, Cover, and Hold 

On. Get under and hold on to sturdy 

furniture. Protect the head and neck 

with arms or pillows. 

What to do: Drop, Cover and Hold

On. If in a bed, turn onto stomach 

and cover your head and neck with

a pillow.

How long to stay: Until the shaking 

stops. 

Pandemic

Shelter-in-Place: Stay Home. 

Minimize access to your home from 

anyone not isolating with you.

What to do: Reduce trips outside to only 

essential requirements. Clean surfaces 

often with disinfectant. Wash hands for 

20 seconds frequently with soap. Avoid 

touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay 

home for several days or weeks. If you 

must go to an office, campus, or live in a 

multi-story building, make sure to wear a 

mask and keep a physical distance of at 

least 6 ft apart.

How long to stay: As advised by local 

public health officials.

Hurricane (High Wind, Flooding, Storm Surge)

Shelter-in-Place: For high wind go to a windowless 

room on the lowest level. For flooding go as high as 

possible but not into the attic.

What to do: For high wind, go to a small, interior, 

windowless room in the lowest level. 

How long to stay: Stay inside until local authorities 

provide other instructions.

Chemical Hazard

Shelter-in-Place: Stay inside and 

seal the room. Use duct tape and 

plastic sheeting to seal around the 

windows and doors. 

What to do: Lock all doors and 

windows. Drink stored water, not 

water from the tap. Turn off the air 

conditioner, furnace, and fans. Close

the fireplace damper and seal off any 

other place where air may come in 

from outside.

How long to stay: Should not last 

longer than a few hours. Listen to 

authorities to know when it is safe 

to leave.

Visit https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/ for more information.

Nov. 2021