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COMMUNITY NEWS | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JANUARY 2015 17 Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) If chemical, biological or radiological contaminants are released, either accidentally or intentionally into the air, "shelter in place" is the process of completely sealing a room temporarily to create a barrier between you and the potential contamination outside. During a chemical disaster or unsafe air conditions, the safest course of action is to take shelter in a sealed room for several hours until the dangers outside have been controlled and the air is deemed safe by officials. How Will I Know When to "shelter-in-place"? Fire or police department warning procedures could include: • "All-Call" telephoning – an automated system for sending recorded messages, called "reverse 9-1-1" • Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts on radio or TV • Outdoor warning sirens or horns • News media sources – radio, TV, and cable • NOAA Weather radio alerts • Residential route alerting – messages announced to neighborhoods from vehicles equipped with public address systems How Do I Prepare? • Choose a room in advance for your shelter. The best room is one with few windows and doors: a bathroom or a closet. Stay on a floor above ground, not a basement room as many chemicals are heavier than air. • Find out if warning systems will be tested in your area; determine if you can hear or see sirens or warning lights from your home. • Develop a family emergency plan and practice regularly. • Have your disaster kit, water, pet supplies, etc. within the area where you "shelter-in-place" (refer to the Residents' Emergency Handbook for supply list). • Have a flashlight in every room of your home. • Have plastic sheeting, large plastic bags, a tall step stool or broom with long handle and duct tape in the room. How to "shelter-in-place" at home • Close all windows and exterior doors. • Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems; close the fireplace damper. • If you are told there is a danger of explosion, close the window shades or curtains. • Family and pets immediately go to room designated for "shelter-in-place". • Tape plastic sheeting around doors and windows; use plastic garbage bags to cover exhaust fans, vents, outlets and heat registers. • Jam towels in the crack under the door. • Stay in the room and listen to the radio until you are told it is safe to come out. ~ Gillian Boucher, Transportation Team Leade Senator Mike Morrell (California District 23) and Debra Williams (Building Resilient Communities president) have brought together community leaders and representatives from various faith-based and government groups in an effort to improve disaster response planning for the Inland Empire. Collaboration and networking among emergency personnel, local leaders and faith-based organizations is critical to ensure that people receive the basic assistance they need following a disaster. Plan on attending this informative meeting in the Lodge Ballroom at 6 pm on Jan. 22 to learn how you can help the Four Seasons emergency preparedness team respond to a disaster. ~ Jean Sandoval S h e l T e r i n P l a C e SAVE A LIFE. LEARN hOW TO PERFORM CPR! CPR ThURSDAY, JAN. 29, 2015 REGISTER WITh JAN AT: EPP4SEASONSBEAUMONT@YAhOO.COM Senator Mike Morrell and Debra Williams

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