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Lanita A. Lloyd
Deputy Director
140 North Marietta Pkwy.
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: 770-499-4567
Fax: 770-499-4558
ema@cobbcounty.org
Cobb Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
Preparedness
Transforming your house into a safe shelter
If authorities ask you to shelter in place, it is a precaution during a hazardous materials emergency to keep you safe while remaining indoors. (This is not the same as safety measures during a storm when you should seek shelter below ground level.)
This means selecting a small, interior room, with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. It does not mean sealing off your entire home or office building.
- Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. If there is danger of an explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains.
- Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.
- Close the fireplace damper.
- Get your family disaster supplies kit and make sure the radio is working.
- Go to an interior room without windows that’s above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
- Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
- It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
- Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
- Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or told to evacuate.