Shelter in Place

There are any number of circumstances that may require you to shelter in place (SIP) at work, at home or at school. Chemical spills are typical situations requiring sheltering in place, but weather and other dangers also may require you to stay indoors. If you don't cover shelter in place in your disaster response or business continuity plan, it's time to include it. The articles below can make preparation easier for you.

Can you handle an SIP situation that will keep employees safe? (Item #1)   This Red Cross guide to SIP is especially informative. (Item #2)   SIP is more than just staying inside… it has to keep everyone safe. (Item #3)  

This article addresses some specifics for sheltering in place for small businesses. (Item #4)   Building managers have many considerations in an SIP situation; this Q&A can answer many of your questions. (Item #5)   This site is just one example of where you can obtain supplies and kits you will need if you have to shelter in place. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Is Your Business Prepared To Shelter In Place?

Does your business know how to handle a shelter in place situation? Chances are if you are like most businesses you do not currently have a plan or the supplies needed to shelter in place. Businesses have a duty to act appropriately to safe guard both employees, and guests or visitors at the business site and knowing what to do when a shelter In Place order is given.
http://www.disasterpreparednessblog.com/disaster-preparedness-blog/2011/2/17/is-your-business-prepared-to-shelter-in-place.html

2. Shelter-in-Place Guide

In an emergency where hazardous chemical, biological or radiological contaminants are accidentally or intentionally released into the atmosphere, you may be told by local police, fire officials, emergency coordinators or elected officials to shelter-in-place. Information will be provided on TV and the radio, on the emergency broadcast system. This Red Cross guide can help you be better prepared for such a situation.
http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=shelter_in_place_guide

3. Shelter in Place Is More Than Just "Staying Inside"

Most of our business continuity plans include evacuation procedures of some sort. Many are simply "get out and gather in the parking lot." Only a few organizations have true "shelter-in-place" options. The author uses the term "options" deliberately, because "shelter-in-place" is more than just staying inside a building. Shelter-in-place demands a safe environment.
http://www.drj.com/2009-articles/specials/shelter-in-place-is-more-than-just-qstaying-insideq.html

4. Are You Prepared for a Chemical Attack?

Although many large businesses, government offices and schools are routinely performing Shelter-In-Place drills, many small businesses and home businesses have not prepared for the possibility of a terrorist chemical attack or an industrial accident that could cause you to die if you leave the safety and confines of your home or business.
http://www.businessknowhow.com/security/shelter-in-place.htm

5. Shelter in Place Requirements for Buildings

This site offers questions and answers about shelter-in-place requirements, from whether to lock doors to how long it should last.
http://oem.readyphiladelphia.org/RelId/607478/articlepage/3/isvars/default
/shelter_in_place_requirements_.htm

6. Shelter-in-Place Kits

ReadyKit.com is just one of the many sites where you can purchase supplies for sheltering-in-place. They have a variety of different kits to help you get prepared in case you have to be inside for a period of time.
http://www.readykit.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=131