ANNEX K

IN-PLACE PROTECTIVE SHELTER

  1. PURPOSE

To establish planning factors and procedures for those disasters which occur with little warning and evacuation is not possible. In this situation the population takes the best available shelter at or very near its location at the time of the warning.

II. SITUATION

    1. Natural Disaster

      2. Certain natural hazards may occur with little warning. A tornado funnel may be observed approaching; leaving insufficient time available for those in its path to proceed to a place of assured safety.

    2. Man-Caused Disasters
    1. Certain man-caused situations may preclude safe evacuation, necessitating the affected population take shelter in-place. An example would be a large-scale chemical spill that completely surrounds a building(s). Responding HAZMAT personnel might decide it is safer to keep the occupants in the building(s) rather than attempt an evacuation.
    2. Such a decision is based on careful evaluation of the affected structure, its ventilation system, the nature of the spilled chemical, the atmospheric conditions, the threat of fire or explosion and the extent and duration of any toxic effects.
  1. ASSUMPTIONS
    1. Two principal options for population protection from potential disaster are evacuation and shelter.
    2. County and municipal officials select the option (or use of both) that appears will minimize injuries and casualties, based on the best available estimate of the hazard.
    1. Several potential hazards could produce conditions which warrant the use of Shelter In Place (SIP) techniques - hazardous materials releases, tornadoes, hailstorms, etc.

 

 

    1. Evacuation and congregate shelters are available options to protect against these events, yet in some instances the lack of prior warning creates a situation where individuals must seek shelter at their location.
    1. Use of warning and public information measures (Action Plan C) can provide citizens with the information necessary to protect themselves.
  1. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
    1. A decision to shelter in-place must evaluate the degree of protection from the hazard afforded by the existing structures in the hazardous area, the size of the population that would require special assistance in evacuation (the hospitalized, disabled, elderly, etc.), and the time available.
    2. A key to survival in any in-place sheltering is pre-planning and knowledge on the part of all members of the population. Survival information must be provided as part of normal public service actions by the media. Newspaper, radio and television reminders and instructions concerning actions to take in the event of a tornado, prior to tornado season, are an example of public survival education.
    3. Public Information
    1. Provide warning messages to operational media. Sirens (in Artesia), EAS (all radio stations), Cable TV override, and NOAA Weather Radio (call Midland NWS office) are all potential warning routes.
    2. Mobile law enforcement and fire units can utilize P.A. systems to inform public if necessary.

V. DETAIL ACTIONS

A. Techniques for Tornadoes, High Winds, Severe Weather, Large Hail
    1. Seek shelter in an interior room or below grade space.
    2. Stay away from windows and exterior walls.
    3. Position yourself under a sturdy table, desk or other furniture or in a bathtub with a rigid cover pulled over top.
    4. Persons in mobile homes and vehicles should seek shelter in a more sturdy structure if possible.
    5. For persons caught out in the open, irrigation ditches, culverts, and below grade spaces provide limited protection.

B. Techniques for Airborne Hazard (Hazardous Materials)

    1. Advising people to stay indoors and prevent airborne particles from entering the shelter, is a possible alternative given a specific incident's characteristics. When utilized, officials must be sure to advise citizens on proper procedures.
    2. Turn off ventilation system and shut doors, flues, and windows tightly.
    3. Seal around windows and doors with tape, plastic or other impermeable material.
    4. If necessary, assemble in a single room that allows for complete isolation from outside air.
    5. Do not turn on/off any electrical appliances or lights.
    6. If possible, extinguish all open flames, pilot lights, and cigarettes.

C. ADVISE CITIZENS TO REMAIN SHELTERED UNTIL "ALL CLEAR" MESSAGE IS BROADCAST.
  1. ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
    1. Warning the population and advising them of sheltering options is the responsibility of the Communications and Warning Coordinator (see Annex B).
    1. The decision to Shelter-in-Place will be made either by the CEO or the on-scene incident commander, depending upon the necessary time constraints.
  1. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

    2. Each jurisdiction will develop and maintain the capability to provide protective shelter. For situations where designated shelters are not practical, each jurisdiction will maintain procedures for advising the public of in-place sheltering techniques.

  2. PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
    1. Responsibility for maintaining and updating this annex belongs to the Reception and Care Coordinator.
    2. This annex will be updated as needed and reviewed at least annually.
    1. This annex will be exercised in accordance with the exercise schedule as presented in the preparedness section of this document.