In certain emergencies, you’ll be faced with the decision of whether you should stay put or get away. Local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what’s happening and what you should do. It’s your responsibility to gather as much information as possible and use common sense in making a decision. The Ellis County Office of Emergency Management will use all available methods, such as Everbridge, Facebook, Twitter, and broadcast media, to provide citizens with information about whether to shelter-in-place or evacuate.
SHELTERING-IN-PLACE
In certain emergencies, it’s best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty and/or create a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may also want to “seal the room.”
Bring your family and pets inside.
Lock doors, close windows, air vents, and fireplace dampers.
Turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced-air heating systems.
Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
EVACUATING
In emergencies when you are ordered to leave or you decide to get away, plan how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options.