• Employers should plan for a shelter-in-place option by identifying shelter space, gathering emergency supplies, establishing a procedure for sending employees to shelter, and more.

In some emergencies, the best option is to shelter either within the facility or away from the facility in a public building. When developing an emergency action plan, employers should:

• Consider the conditions for taking shelter, e.g., a tornado warning.
• Identify shelter space in the facility and in the community.
• Establish procedures for sending employees to shelter.
• Establish procedures for locking the building down including turning off, sealing, or disabling the mechanical systems.
• Determine needs for emergency supplies such as water, food, and medical supplies.
• Consider having a hard-wired telephone installed or other communication system.
• Designate shelter managers, if appropriate.
• Coordinate plans with local authorities.