So What is Sheltering in Place?
Sheltering in place means staying indoors during an emergency rather than evacuating (leaving your home to get somewhere safe). This strategy is used when conditions outside are unsafe, such as during natural disasters, chemical spills, or other hazardous events. The goal is to protect yourself and your loved ones by remaining in a secure location, typically your home, until the threat has passed.
We have all experienced Sheltering in Place as a result of the Covid lockdowns. While we were not limited to staying indoors 24/7, we did need to have food, water and supplies to sustain our families at home as going out was severely limited. We all remember the importance of having a well stocked supply of toilet paper on hand! Who knew that would become such a coveting item? So next time - and we always have to assume there will be a next time (plan for it and then you’re prepared) let’s look at what we need to do to prepare to shelter in place.
How Do I Prepare to Shelter in Place?
Preparing to shelter in place involves 4 basic steps to ensure you have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you get ready:
- Create an Emergency Kit:
- Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days. Since water is crucial, consider having a longer lasting supply.
- Food: Stock non-perishable food items that can last for at least three days. Include items like canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruits.
- Medical Supplies: Have a first aid kit, prescription medications, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Tools and Supplies: Include a flashlight, batteries, a manual can opener, matches, and basic tools.
- Personal Items: Include hygiene products, blankets, clothing, and any other personal necessities.
- Communication: Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about the situation. Don Not rely on your cell phone!
- Important Documents: Store copies of important documents like IDs, insurance policies, and bank information in a waterproof container.
- Designate a Safe Room:
- Choose a room with the fewest windows and doors. An interior room on the lowest floor is ideal.
- Make sure the room is stocked with your emergency kit and other supplies.
- Plan for Pets:
- Include pet food, water, and supplies in your emergency kit.
- Have a plan for keeping pets secure and comfortable.
- Stay Informed:
- Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications in your area.
- Follow local news and weather reports to stay updated on the situation.
What Are the Reasons for Sheltering in Place?
Several scenarios may require you to shelter in place, including:
- Natural Disasters:
- Tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe storms can make it dangerous to be outside.
- Earthquakes can cause structural damage, making it safer to stay indoors until aftershocks subside.
- Chemical Spills:
- Industrial accidents or transportation incidents can release hazardous chemicals into the air.
- Staying indoors and sealing windows and doors can help protect you from exposure.
- Biological Threats:
- Infectious disease outbreaks may require you to stay home to prevent the spread of illness.
- Public health emergencies, such as a pandemic, can necessitate sheltering in place to avoid contact with infected individuals.
- Civil Unrest:
- Situations involving protests or riots may pose a risk to personal safety.
- Staying indoors can provide protection until the situation stabilizes.
The Importance of Having Emergency Drinking Water
Water is the most critical component of your emergency preparedness plan. Here’s why having a reliable supply of emergency drinking water is essential:
- Hydration:
- The human body can only survive a few days without water. Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining bodily functions and overall health.
- Food Preparation:
- Many emergency food supplies require water for preparation. Having enough water ensures you can make meals and stay nourished.
- Sanitation:
- Water is necessary for hygiene purposes, including handwashing, cleaning wounds, and basic sanitation.
- Peace of Mind:
- Knowing you have a sufficient supply of clean drinking water can reduce stress and help you focus on other aspects of emergency management.
In our home we have a couple sources of water storage. We recommend having bottled emergency drinking water, packaged in HDPE food safe plastic that won’t leach. You will want water with a long shelf life, as not one wants to pitch your water stores every 12-18 months just to purchase another round. We love the Ready H2O brand.
Additionally, we have a 55 gallon drum as well as a 250 gallon water tank in our garage. Since this water may have been stored for a couple years (or more) we have water purification devices for both tanks. We have the AquaDrum Water Purification System from Sagan Life® to pump and purify the water from the 55 gallon drum. It's affordable and simple to set up and use. Since the spigot is on the bottom of the 250 gallon tank, we opted for the Ultra Flo Purification System from the same company. Both options are highly effective making that water - even if it's been in there for 10 years - safe to drink.
Ready H2O Emergency Drinking Water is guaranteed to have zero bacteria, has a 20 year shelf life and is packaged in durable one liter triple sealed bottles made of the highest quality non-leaching HDPE food safe plastic. The easy open and reclosable canteen type container prevents waste and lets you stay hydrated throughout the day. Ready bottles are crush resistant, unlike cans or foil packets, and the bright yellow color makes them easy to spot in any emergency.
Wrapping it up…
Sheltering in place is a crucial strategy for staying safe during various emergencies. By preparing in advance with a well-stocked emergency kit, a designated safe room, and a reliable source of food storage and emergency drinking water, you warrant the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. Water is the cornerstone of any emergency preparedness plan, making it essential to have a sufficient supply on hand.
At Ready H2O we provide high-quality emergency drinking water solutions designed to last. Our products are reliable, easy to store, and ready for any emergency situation. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start preparing today.