Shelter in PlaceShelter in Place

An Introduction to An Introduction to

Making Home your HavenMaking Home your HavenT. MichelsonT. Michelson

DefinitionDefinition

►Shelter in Place is when you seek Shelter in Place is when you seek safety in the place you are at when an safety in the place you are at when an emergency occursemergency occurs This could be a home, office or anywhere This could be a home, office or anywhere

you are atyou are at

IntroductionIntroduction

►Majority of Canadians will have to Majority of Canadians will have to Shelter in Place (SIP) in one form or Shelter in Place (SIP) in one form or another multiple times over their another multiple times over their lifetimes.lifetimes.

►Three different types of SIP are used:Three different types of SIP are used: Airborne containments Airborne containments Physical RisksPhysical Risks Loss of UtilitiesLoss of Utilities

Airborne ContaminantsAirborne Contaminants

Securing yourself and others indoors against noxious smoke or Securing yourself and others indoors against noxious smoke or chemicals such as released in an industrial or transportation chemicals such as released in an industrial or transportation system accident or other human caused danger such as system accident or other human caused danger such as terrorist attackterrorist attack

Usually only last for a few hoursUsually only last for a few hours Examples could be events such as the Bhopal chemical leak in Examples could be events such as the Bhopal chemical leak in

India that killed and injured thousandsIndia that killed and injured thousands

www.cbc.ca

Preparing for Airborne Preparing for Airborne ContaminantsContaminants

► Close and lock all Close and lock all entrances to your entrances to your homehome DoorsDoors WindowsWindows ChimneysChimneys

► Seal off entrancesSeal off entrances Plastic sheeting and Plastic sheeting and

good quality duct good quality duct tapetape

www.rffg.bc.ca

►Occupy a small windowless room and Occupy a small windowless room and seal it off as well (have emergency seal it off as well (have emergency supplies on hand including a radio so supplies on hand including a radio so you know when it is safe)you know when it is safe)

►Shut off appliances that may bring Shut off appliances that may bring outside air inoutside air in Air conditionersAir conditioners heatersheaters

Physical RiskPhysical Risk

► Taking shelter to Taking shelter to defend yourself and defend yourself and others from others from immediate physical immediate physical harm from risks harm from risks such as tornadoes such as tornadoes and hurricanes.and hurricanes.

► These last typically These last typically for a few minutes to for a few minutes to a few hours a few hours

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake

Preparing for a Physical RiskPreparing for a Physical Risk

►Small structurally sound room with no Small structurally sound room with no windows (ideally an interior room in a windows (ideally an interior room in a basement)basement)

►Emergency Supplies and a radioEmergency Supplies and a radio

Disruption of Utilities or Disruption of Utilities or becoming isolatedbecoming isolated

►Normal pattern of life is disrupted by Normal pattern of life is disrupted by something that requires us to stay something that requires us to stay indoorsindoors

►Can be caused by storm, power Can be caused by storm, power outage, washed out roads, pandemic, outage, washed out roads, pandemic, earthquake that damaged earthquake that damaged infrastructure and so oninfrastructure and so on

Minimizing Damages Inside your Minimizing Damages Inside your Home/workplaceHome/workplace

►Preparing for an earthquake scenario Preparing for an earthquake scenario will be most efficient as it will cover will be most efficient as it will cover many of the same factors for other many of the same factors for other potential riskspotential risks

►Many of the injuries and fatalities Many of the injuries and fatalities during an emergency come from falling during an emergency come from falling objects and debris objects and debris

►Therefore best way to prepare is Therefore best way to prepare is minimize heavy or breakable things minimize heavy or breakable things that could fall on you that could fall on you

Securing Heavy ObjectsSecuring Heavy Objects

► Secure heavy objects such Secure heavy objects such as water heaters, as water heaters, bookshelves, china cabinetsbookshelves, china cabinets

► Bolting/screwing/strapping it Bolting/screwing/strapping it directly to secure anchor directly to secure anchor points (such as a couple of points (such as a couple of wall studs)wall studs)

► Is your building attached to Is your building attached to the foundationthe foundation

http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/article/Homeowner/Home_Hazards_Earthquake

http://www.waikatoregioncdemg.govt.nz/Information-Resources/Hazards/Earthquake/PROTECT-PROPERTY

Wall HangingsWall Hangings

► Do not place heavy wall Do not place heavy wall hangings above where hangings above where they might hit peoplethey might hit people

► Do not put heave things Do not put heave things above door waysabove door ways

► Do not put heavy Do not put heavy framed pictures or framed pictures or chandeliers above a chandeliers above a bedbed

► Things on walls can be Things on walls can be bolted/screwed/strappebolted/screwed/strapped to wall studsd to wall studs

http://www.earthquakecountry.org/core/public/showcontext.php/2518/13412

Shelves/Cabinets/CupboardsShelves/Cabinets/Cupboards

► Apply latches to cabinet doorsApply latches to cabinet doors► Have a lip or edge on shelvingHave a lip or edge on shelving► Use putty or double sided tape to hold Use putty or double sided tape to hold

special objects in place (figurines, trophy's special objects in place (figurines, trophy's and so on)and so on)

► Special items (Great Grandmas china) that Special items (Great Grandmas china) that you have but not on display should be you have but not on display should be stored as if you were movingstored as if you were moving Quasi confined space wrapped in paper or Quasi confined space wrapped in paper or

cardboard and nothing nearby that can fall on itcardboard and nothing nearby that can fall on it

WindowsWindows► Broken glass causes a number of issuesBroken glass causes a number of issues► Pre-plan how you will contain itPre-plan how you will contain it► Draw or close heavy curtains over windows when not in use (glass will still break Draw or close heavy curtains over windows when not in use (glass will still break

but will fall into the curtain and then to the floor staying close to the wall)but will fall into the curtain and then to the floor staying close to the wall)► Apply a grid pattern of tape (as you see in WWII films in London as they Apply a grid pattern of tape (as you see in WWII films in London as they

prepared for the bombings)prepared for the bombings)► Apply a plastic film (shelf liner lets light through but will distort image, there are Apply a plastic film (shelf liner lets light through but will distort image, there are

professional grade available)professional grade available)► Switch to shatter resistant glassSwitch to shatter resistant glass

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11167431

Preparing the PerimeterPreparing the Perimeter► Identify hazards to your Identify hazards to your

home or workplace and home or workplace and then fix themthen fix them

► Remove or secure Large Remove or secure Large loose rocks on cliffs or loose rocks on cliffs or hills directly above with hills directly above with netting or bolts netting or bolts

► Remove or trim large Remove or trim large trees and tree limbs trees and tree limbs (especially if dead) that (especially if dead) that could fall could fall

► Put away tool, toys, Put away tool, toys, furniture, BBQ, Propane furniture, BBQ, Propane tankstanks

http://camalittle.wordpress.com/category/fun/page/3/

Nearby RisksNearby Risks

► Identify other risks that could endanger Identify other risks that could endanger you (chemical factory, railway line, you (chemical factory, railway line, tsunami zone, flood plain, mudslide)tsunami zone, flood plain, mudslide)

►Take extra precautions for these risksTake extra precautions for these risks►Every area is different (Low risk for Every area is different (Low risk for

Tornados in Victoria but at risk for Tornados in Victoria but at risk for Tsunami, Brandon Manitoba it is the Tsunami, Brandon Manitoba it is the opposite)opposite)

Shutting your Home DownShutting your Home Down

►After a damaging earthquake you may After a damaging earthquake you may need to shut off gas, water and power need to shut off gas, water and power (keep tools nearby to facilitate)(keep tools nearby to facilitate)

Advise from Fortis BCAdvise from Fortis BC

► AFTER an earthquakeAFTER an earthquake► Check your natural gas appliances and Check your natural gas appliances and

equipment.equipment.► If you do not smell or hear gas If you do not smell or hear gas

escaping, consider leaving the gas escaping, consider leaving the gas on on to provide a source of energy for heat, to provide a source of energy for heat, hot water and cooking. Check the vents, hot water and cooking. Check the vents, chimney and connections at each gas chimney and connections at each gas appliance to be sure they have not been appliance to be sure they have not been dislodged or blocked.dislodged or blocked.

Shutting off your gasShutting off your gas

► If you think you smell If you think you smell gas or hear gas gas or hear gas escaping, act fast.escaping, act fast. turn off your gas meterturn off your gas meter, if , if

it's safe to do soit's safe to do so leave the building and leave the building and

call call 1-800-663-99111-800-663-9911

► Watch for and stay clear Watch for and stay clear of downed power lines. of downed power lines. Even if they are quiet Even if they are quiet and without sparks, and without sparks, they could be live.they could be live.

http://fortisbc.com/NaturalGas/GasSafety/SafetyHomeWork/CareOfYourMeter/Pages/How-to-turn-off-your-meter.aspx

Post Disaster Clean UpPost Disaster Clean Up

►Wear sturdy footwear and glovesWear sturdy footwear and gloves►Sturdy broomSturdy broom►MaskMask►Eye protectionEye protection

Emergency KitsEmergency Kits

►Plan your emergency supplies in Plan your emergency supplies in various levels or tiersvarious levels or tiers

►Every Day Carry (EDC)Every Day Carry (EDC)►7 Day Kit7 Day Kit►Bedside KitBedside Kit►Car KitCar Kit►Office KitOffice Kit►School KitSchool Kit

Every Day Carry (EDC)Every Day Carry (EDC)

► Carry items on your person Carry items on your person that can help you anytime that can help you anytime

► Personalize the items to Personalize the items to yourselfyourself

► Common items areCommon items are► LightLight► Pocket knife (many options Pocket knife (many options

available)available)► Personal medicationPersonal medication► CashCash► Contact infoContact info► Lighter or matchesLighter or matches► Band-AidsBand-Aids http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everyday_carry

7 Day Kit7 Day Kit

► More and more experts More and more experts are advising that people are advising that people move from a 72 hour kit move from a 72 hour kit to a 7 Day Kit as it is to a 7 Day Kit as it is repeatedly found that it repeatedly found that it is taking several days for is taking several days for large scale help to arrive large scale help to arrive post major disaster (New post major disaster (New Orleans)Orleans)

► This kit needs to be large This kit needs to be large enough to sustain you enough to sustain you and your family for up to and your family for up to a week but be small a week but be small enough it can be carriedenough it can be carried

http://forums.backpacker.com/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=983107219;t=9991155302

7 Day Kit7 Day Kit

► Needs to be accessibleNeeds to be accessible► Sturdy weather resistant container Sturdy weather resistant container

backpack lined with plastic bagsbackpack lined with plastic bags Suitcase with wheelsSuitcase with wheels

► Shelter element (tent or tarp)Shelter element (tent or tarp)► Sleeping bag/blankets and sleep matSleeping bag/blankets and sleep mat► Seasonal appropriate clothingSeasonal appropriate clothing► Hygiene supplies (Toilet paper, tooth brush, Hygiene supplies (Toilet paper, tooth brush,

hand sanitizer, soap)hand sanitizer, soap)► CordageCordage

7 Day Kit7 Day Kit► Water, water procurement and purificationWater, water procurement and purification► Food and food procurement Food and food procurement ► Cooking supplies such as pots and eating utensilsCooking supplies such as pots and eating utensils► Sturdy FootwearSturdy Footwear► Wood processing tools (knife, saw, axe or machete)Wood processing tools (knife, saw, axe or machete)► Comfort and entertainment (more important than Comfort and entertainment (more important than

you might think)you might think)► Communications (radio, signal mirror, flares)Communications (radio, signal mirror, flares)► First Aid suppliesFirst Aid supplies► Heat and light materials (headlamps, matches, Heat and light materials (headlamps, matches,

lighter, candles, stoves and so on)lighter, candles, stoves and so on)

Bedside KitBedside Kit► Ideally we should spend about 8 hrs a day sleeping (1/3 Ideally we should spend about 8 hrs a day sleeping (1/3

of the day)of the day)► 1 in 3 chance a disaster could strike while we sleep1 in 3 chance a disaster could strike while we sleep► By bedside you should have materials to evacuate By bedside you should have materials to evacuate

quicklyquickly► Sturdy ShoesSturdy Shoes► Quick toss on clothingQuick toss on clothing► FlashlightFlashlight► WhistleWhistle► Tools (crowbar/axe) for getting out if door frame gets Tools (crowbar/axe) for getting out if door frame gets

twisted binding your exittwisted binding your exit► Water and foodWater and food► Cell phoneCell phone► Keys (to access supplies in your car or garage)Keys (to access supplies in your car or garage)

Car KitCar Kit

►Similar to your seven day kit but includes Similar to your seven day kit but includes additional itemsadditional items

►More food and waterMore food and water►Heavier tools (larger axe, shovel, saw)Heavier tools (larger axe, shovel, saw)►Larger first aid kitLarger first aid kit►Vehicle tools (jack, spare tire, wrenches, Vehicle tools (jack, spare tire, wrenches,

screwdrivers, wire, electrical and duct screwdrivers, wire, electrical and duct tape, oil, tow cable, flares, jumper tape, oil, tow cable, flares, jumper cables)cables)

Office and School KitOffice and School Kit

►Often policies and regulations Often policies and regulations minimize what can be brought to minimize what can be brought to schools and workplaces (knives for schools and workplaces (knives for instance) so be sure you follow the instance) so be sure you follow the rulesrules

►Most commonly recommended items Most commonly recommended items are food, water, flashlight, glow sticks are food, water, flashlight, glow sticks and emergency blanketsand emergency blankets

SanitationSanitation

►Keeping clean assists in maintaining Keeping clean assists in maintaining health and moralehealth and morale

► If you have ample water supply you If you have ample water supply you can still use toilets even if water can still use toilets even if water supply is interrupted by poring water supply is interrupted by poring water into the tank (if you think the sewage into the tank (if you think the sewage system is compromised donsystem is compromised don’’t do this)t do this)

►Have a portable toilet Have a portable toilet

ToiletsToilets

► Commercial toilets are available in different Commercial toilets are available in different stylesstyles ChemicalChemical Toilet shaped plastic receptacleToilet shaped plastic receptacle Bucket with toilet seatBucket with toilet seat

► Toilet seat on a stool (place a bucket or sturdy Toilet seat on a stool (place a bucket or sturdy bag under)bag under)

► Reinforced cardboard box with punched openingsReinforced cardboard box with punched openings► Toilet bags (foil lined bag that has a dry chemical Toilet bags (foil lined bag that has a dry chemical

inside that gels waste and minimizes odour)inside that gels waste and minimizes odour)► Chemicals can be purchased separately for Chemicals can be purchased separately for

gelling wastes in all these casesgelling wastes in all these cases

Improvised ToiletsImprovised Toilets

►Chair with a hole cut in itChair with a hole cut in it►Receptacle in a tubReceptacle in a tub►Pit latrine (with bar to sit on)Pit latrine (with bar to sit on)►Cat sanitation (dig a small hole, fill it, Cat sanitation (dig a small hole, fill it,

then rebury itthen rebury it►Use a bag held within another receptacleUse a bag held within another receptacle►Big bucket (more comfortable if you Big bucket (more comfortable if you

place boards over to act as a seat)place boards over to act as a seat)

Deuteronomy 23:13Deuteronomy 23:13

►And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:cover that which cometh from thee:

Cat Sanitation Cat Sanitation

► Although humans have relieved themselves for Although humans have relieved themselves for millennia outside most of us have lost the techniquemillennia outside most of us have lost the technique

► Watch the wind directionWatch the wind direction► Squats work well (may want to remove one or both Squats work well (may want to remove one or both

pant legs)pant legs)► Get a Get a ““balance barbalance bar”” a tree or post you can hang onto a tree or post you can hang onto

while leaning back (legs can be stretched out (keeping while leaning back (legs can be stretched out (keeping pants on)pants on)

► In treeless areas a shovel can be driven into the In treeless areas a shovel can be driven into the ground for your balance bar ground for your balance bar

► If nothing avail to hang onto just squat or place hands If nothing avail to hang onto just squat or place hands behind you (like those crab races you did in behind you (like those crab races you did in elementary school)elementary school)

Keeping yourself cleanKeeping yourself clean

►Wash with soap and water when Wash with soap and water when possiblepossible

►Use wet wash cloth or baby wipes to Use wet wash cloth or baby wipes to have a sponge bathhave a sponge bath Face, neck, arm pits, groin (ideally in that Face, neck, arm pits, groin (ideally in that

order)order)

►Use hand sanitizerUse hand sanitizer►Keep nails cleaned and trimmedKeep nails cleaned and trimmed►Brush and floss Brush and floss

Keeping Clothing GoingKeeping Clothing Going

►Have a sewing kit and know how to Have a sewing kit and know how to use ituse it

►Wash and dry when possibleWash and dry when possible►Air out when possibleAir out when possible►““Sun WashSun Wash”” clothing by laying out in clothing by laying out in

bright sunlight (same idea as vultures bright sunlight (same idea as vultures when they sit there with wings open)when they sit there with wings open)

►Air out bedding whenever possibleAir out bedding whenever possible

FoodFood

► Choose food with no to little preparation Choose food with no to little preparation Emergency Ration BarsEmergency Ration Bars Canned goods (have a can opener)Canned goods (have a can opener) Energy or granola barsEnergy or granola bars Dried fruitDried fruit JerkyJerky Dried pepperoniDried pepperoni CrackersCrackers Fig NewtonFig Newton Toaster PastriesToaster Pastries Tortilla shellsTortilla shells Candy and snack foodsCandy and snack foods

Easy Prep FoodsEasy Prep Foods

►Add boiling water Add boiling water IchibanIchiban Freeze dried mealsFreeze dried meals RiceRice Mashed potatoesMashed potatoes Kraft DinnerKraft Dinner StuffingStuffing

Food AdviceFood Advice

► Try the foods before an emergencyTry the foods before an emergency► Pick foods you like and ideally that are Pick foods you like and ideally that are

familiar (again going for stress reduction)familiar (again going for stress reduction)► Choose high calorie shelf stable foodsChoose high calorie shelf stable foods► Ideally foods that can be eaten hot or coldIdeally foods that can be eaten hot or cold► Learn edible plants of your region (donLearn edible plants of your region (don’’t count t count

on on ““living off the landliving off the land””))► If your personal convictions allow learn If your personal convictions allow learn

hunting, trapping and fishing techniques hunting, trapping and fishing techniques (including insects)(including insects)

► Look at what backpackers useLook at what backpackers use► Remember it is fuel, not foodRemember it is fuel, not food

WaterWater

►Plan for at least 4 litres per person per Plan for at least 4 litres per person per dayday

►Weighs 1 KG (2.2 pounds) per litre so Weighs 1 KG (2.2 pounds) per litre so seven days worth would be 28 KG (62 seven days worth would be 28 KG (62 pounds) pounds)

►Too much to carry so you need to have Too much to carry so you need to have means of purifying watermeans of purifying water

Purify waterPurify water

► BoilingBoiling► Chemicals (leaves sediments, some kill Chemicals (leaves sediments, some kill

virus)virus) Commercially available, just follow manufactures Commercially available, just follow manufactures

directiondirection Some leave a weird tasteSome leave a weird taste

► Filters (removes sediments, does not deal Filters (removes sediments, does not deal with virus)with virus)

► Filter then add chemical that deal with virus Filter then add chemical that deal with virus and you have best of both worldsand you have best of both worlds

Finding WaterFinding Water

► Hot water tanksHot water tanks► Toilet reservoir (not the bowl)Toilet reservoir (not the bowl)► Water trapped in pipes Water trapped in pipes

Open on the highest tap in the house then have a Open on the highest tap in the house then have a container ready under the lowest one and then container ready under the lowest one and then open itopen it

► Collect rain water Collect rain water use a clean catch area, water from the drain spout use a clean catch area, water from the drain spout

will have flowed over all the dirt, tar, bird poop and will have flowed over all the dirt, tar, bird poop and everything else before going down the ease trougheverything else before going down the ease trough

HeatHeat

►Propane heaterPropane heater►CandlesCandles►Ceramic/Candle heaterCeramic/Candle heater►Heat as small an area as possible Heat as small an area as possible

(close/tent off rooms)(close/tent off rooms)►Heat with sun in day then trap heat at Heat with sun in day then trap heat at

night (southern facing rooms warmest)night (southern facing rooms warmest)►Dress in layers, use a hat Dress in layers, use a hat

LightLight

► HeadlampsHeadlamps► LanternsLanterns► FlashlightsFlashlights► Hand cranked lightsHand cranked lights► Patio lightsPatio lights► Glow sticksGlow sticks► CandlesCandles

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LED-headlamp.jpg

PetsPets

►Have supplies on hand for themHave supplies on hand for them►Make plans for those that require Make plans for those that require

special needs (constant temperature special needs (constant temperature for example such as some fish and for example such as some fish and reptiles)reptiles)

►Not allowed in most emergency Not allowed in most emergency shelters so if planning to evacuate shelters so if planning to evacuate have plans for themhave plans for them

Alternative PowerAlternative Power

►Generators (have chain or cable to Generators (have chain or cable to secure it, popular theft item during secure it, popular theft item during disaster)disaster)

►Hand cranked generators (no Hand cranked generators (no emissions and quiet so it can be used emissions and quiet so it can be used indoors)indoors)

►12 volt Battery with AC adaptors12 volt Battery with AC adaptors►Solar and wind powerSolar and wind power

CommunicationCommunication

►Battery Powered or hand cranked radioBattery Powered or hand cranked radio►FRS RadiosFRS Radios►Cell phonesCell phones►Amateur RadioAmateur Radio►WhistlesWhistles►MirrorsMirrors►PanelsPanels►LightsLights

ConclusionConclusion

►Pick your shelter spotPick your shelter spot►Pre-place supplies if possiblePre-place supplies if possible►Have Have ““GoGo”” Bags Bags►Have a plan and communicate it Have a plan and communicate it ►Practice your techniquesPractice your techniques► If you are prepared you shall not fearIf you are prepared you shall not fear

Recommended WebsitesRecommended Websites

► http://providentliving.org/?lang=enghttp://providentliving.org/?lang=eng► Government of CanadaGovernment of Canada

http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspxhttp://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx► US GovernmentUS Government

http://www.fema.gov/http://www.fema.gov/ http://www.ready.gov/http://www.ready.gov/

► Province of British ColumbiaProvince of British Columbia http://embc.gov.bc.ca/em/index.htmlhttp://embc.gov.bc.ca/em/index.html http://embc.gov.bc.ca/em/hazard_preparedness/http://embc.gov.bc.ca/em/hazard_preparedness/

personal_safety.htmlpersonal_safety.html http://www.rdffg.bc.ca/services/public-safety/emergency-http://www.rdffg.bc.ca/services/public-safety/emergency-

management-program/shelter-in-placemanagement-program/shelter-in-place http://www.shakeoutbc.ca/downloads/http://www.shakeoutbc.ca/downloads/

ShakeOut_BC_TipsforSaferSurroundings.pdfShakeOut_BC_TipsforSaferSurroundings.pdf

Recommended BooksRecommended Books

►SAS Survival Handbook by John WisemanSAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman►Northern Bushcraft by Mors KochnaskiNorthern Bushcraft by Mors Kochnaski►When All Hell Breaks Loose by Cody When All Hell Breaks Loose by Cody

LundinLundin►Bushcraft by Richard GravesBushcraft by Richard Graves►Camping and Wilderness Survival by Paul Camping and Wilderness Survival by Paul

TawrellTawrell►Survive by Les StroudSurvive by Les Stroud