If a hazardous material was ever released or spilled in the City of McKinney, residents may need to shelter-in-place. The air quality during an event like this can make it dangerous for people to be outside or to attempt to evacuate, making sheltering-in-place the best and only option.
Before Sheltering-in-Place
Have duct tape, plastic sheeting, scissors and towels in your Emergency Supply Kit
Precut the plastic sheeting to the exact size for the room to save time during an event
Take the opportunity to refill and update the rest of the items in your Emergency Supply Kit
Know where manual vents or central air systems are and how to close them or shut them off
Have a designated room. Preferably this would be on the highest level of your home and the most interior. The less exposure to the outside air, the better
During Sheltering-in-Place
Go inside immediately after you are aware of the hazardous material event
Close windows and doors
Close manual vents and shut off central air systems
Go to your designated room. Seal the room with your plastic sheeting and duct tape. Use damp towels under doors
Bring your NOAA Weather Radio, battery-operated AM / FM radio, cell phone, smart phone, or other communication devices to look and listen for updates and information
After Sheltering-in-Place
When you are told the area is safe, open windows and turn on air systems to circulate contaminated air that may have seeped into your home.