Shelter in Place

Sometimes the best way to stay safe in an emergency is to get inside and stay put inside a building or vehicle. Where you should stay can be different for different types of emergencies. Be informed about the different kinds of emergencies that could affect your area and ways officials share emergency information. 

If officials tell you to "stay put," act quickly. Listen carefully to local radio or television stations for instructions, because the exact directions will depend on the emergency situation. In general you should:

• Get inside. Bring your loved ones, your emergency supplies, and when possible, your pets.
• Find a safe spot. The exact spot will depend on the type of emergency,
• Stay put until officials say that it is safe to leave.

Once you and your family are in place, let your emergency contact know what's happening, and listen carefully for new information.

• Call or text your emergency contact. Let them know where you are, if any family members are missing, and how you are doing.
• Use your phone only as necessary. Keep the phone handy in case you need to report a life threatening emergency. Otherwise, do not use the phone, so that the lines will be available for emergency responders.
• Keep listening to your radio, television, or phone for updates. Do not leave your shelter unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so. If they tell you to evacuate the area, follow their instructions.

Staying Put in Your Vehicle 

In some emergencies it is safer to pull over and stay in your car than to keep driving. If you are very close to home, your workplace, or a public building, go there immediately and go inside. Follow the "shelter-in-place" recommendations for that location. If you can't get indoors quickly and safely:

• Pull over to the side of the road. Stop your vehicle in the safest place possible and turn off the engine. If it is warm outside, it is better to stop under a bridge or in a shady spot so you don't get overheated (this is NOT recommended with tornado like conditions).
• Stay where you are until officials say it is safe to get back on the road.
• Listen to the radio for updates and additional instructions. Modern car radios do not use much battery power, so listening to the radio for an hour or two should not cause your car battery to die.Even after it is safe to get back on the road, keep listening to the radio and follow directions of law enforcement officials.

Additional Resources 
CDC "Shelter in Place" 
FEMA "Guidelines for Staying Put"