Protection in Place

If the Incident Commander (IC) determines a clear rationale for implementing protection-in-place, then the procedure below should be carried out. It should be noted; however, that protection-in-place is not recommended for houses built before 1950, and is only strongly recommended for housing developments erected since 1980. Also, protection-in-place may not be the best option when the vapor involved is highly flammable. In some instances, no other options may be available, and the following steps will have to be carried out regardless:

  1. The public notification steps listed in the Emergency Evacuation section of this plan should be completed, with the exception that people should be informed to stay inside!
  2. General protection-in-place procedures should be conveyed to facility emergency coordinators or local residents informing them to take the following precautions:
    1. Close all doors and windows (locking the windows for a better seal). Seal any obvious gaps with tape, plastic, or wet towels.
    2. Turn off all HVAC and air conditioning systems. If applicable, place inlet vents in the closed position.
    3. Close all fireplace dampers.
    4. Close as many internal doors as possible.
    5. Turn off and cover all exhaust fans.
    6. Monitor local AM/FM radio stations and/or local television stations for further information.
    7. Do not go outside until an all clear order has been given by local emergency personnel.
  3. Appoint an emergency contact person to communicate with local television and radio stations, so that they may keep the public apprised of the situation. Inform television and radio personnel to announce that people not in the area should stay clear of the area until further notified that they incident has been resolved.
  4. Coordinate efforts with local fire departments and law enforcement agencies to direct and respond to the numerous amount of anticipated incoming calls. The protection-in-place emergency contact person should also ensure that these organizations are kept apprised of the situation.
  5. Ensure all emergency response personnel understand that people protected-in-place are not to be released from their dwellings until the IC gives approval to do so.