"Every Home and Business Should Have A Plan"

“Seal the Room”: If local authorities believe the air is badly contaminated with a chemical, you may be instructed to take shelter and “seal the room.” The process used to seal the room is considered a temporary protective measure to create a barrier between your people and potentially contaminated air outside. It is a type of sheltering that requires preplanning."

"Start by identifying where you will go if you are instructed to “seal the room.” If feasible, choose an interior room, such as a break room or conference room, with as few windows and doors as possible. If your business is located on more than one floor or in more than one building, identify multiple shelter locations.

To “seal the room” effectively, close the business and bring everyone inside. Then, lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.

Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems. Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated. Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. Measure and cut the sheeting in advance to save time. Finally, be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you create a barrier between yourself and any contamination. Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available. “

“Emergency Supplies: When preparing for emergency situations, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Encourage everyone to have a portable kit customized to meet personal needs, such as essential medications. Talk to your co-workers about what emergency supplies the company can feasibly provide, if any, and which ones individuals should consider keeping on hand. Recommended emergency supplies include both a battery-powered commercial radio and a NOAA weather radio with an alert function. Include extra batteries, a flashlight, water, food, First Aid kit, whistle to signal for help, dust or filter masks, moist towelettes for sanitation, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, plastic sheeting and duct tape to “seal the room,” and garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.”

AS PER HOMELAND SECURITY: