Shelter in place means staying indoors and taking immediate steps to protect yourself from a potential threat or emergency occurring outside. During a shelter-in-place event, individuals should remain inside a building (usually their home), close and lock doors and windows, move to a safe location within the building if directed, and monitor official communications for updates and instructions.
Shelter-in-Place may be required during:
- severe weather
- hazardous conditions, such as airborne chemicals, explosions, smoke
- security threats, such as an active shooter
- political unrest, protests, coup
When SIP is initiated, the following protocol should be followed.
- ALL team members are to be INSIDE their respective households with all exterior doors closed/locked until further notice
- If there is a risk of airborne/chemical hazards, explosions, or smoke, then exterior windows should also be closed and locked as well as sealed with materials below*
- Typically, SIP will last 3-5 days, but can either be extended or shortened upon the discretion of the Field Leader, or if an emergency evacuation is necessary
- The Field Leader will give instructions as soon as possible for how long the shelter in place will last and what to do after the shelter in place time expires
- If communications lines are down and no contact can be made with other team members or Reliant, after the designated time period (3 days unless otherwise stated) has elapsed, each household should proceed to the nearest place of refuge and contact the International Crisis Manager and/or Field Leader.
- Do not go rouge. Follow all recommendations as received from ICMT and your field leader. The Crisis Escalation Level determines who makes the final call.
Shelter in Place Preparation Kits
Team members who have identified SIP as part of their preparedness plans, should have the following on hand in a shelter in place kit/location in case a shelter in place is enacted by the Team Leader or International Crisis Manager:
Core Supplies
- Five days adequate food supply (canned/dry goods, WISE, protein bars)
- Approximately 25-30 liters of NON-potable water per person
- Approximately 10 liters of potable water per person
- Water purification method (filter, life straw, iodine tabs)
- First-aid kit/meds (anti-diarrheal, NSAIDs, antibiotics)
- Spare/backup butane tank or fuel source
- Butane lighter or waterproof matches
- Solar or crank-powered battery cell with USB output/charging
- LED flashlights or lanterns (w/ extra batteries available)
- Duct tape*
- 8-10 large plastic trash bags*
- *For sealing window/door openings
Additional recommendations, particularly for longer SIP events:
- Morale boosters (board games, deck of cards, coffee, adult beverages, candy, etc.)
- 200+ ft Para-cord; 50+ ft rope
- Candles (not recommended for households with young children)
- An adequate supply of diapers, baby wipes, baby food, etc
- 1 large, durable plastic container, barrel, or cooler (to hold the contents of the SIP kit supplies)
