Shelter-in-Place vs. Evacuation: Know the Difference
When an emergency occurs, knowing what to do—and doing it quickly—can make a difference. During a chemical incident or other industrial emergency, officials may instruct residents to either shelter in place or evacuate.
These two protective actions are very different. Understanding the difference before an emergency happens can help you and your family respond calmly and safely.
What Does “Shelter in Place” Mean?
Shelter in place means staying indoors and taking steps to protect yourself from conditions outside.
During certain chemical emergencies, leaving your home or workplace may expose you to the hazard. If officials issue a shelter-in-place order, residents should generally:
Go inside immediately.
Close and lock all doors and windows.
Turn off heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems if instructed.
Move away from windows and exterior doors.
Bring children and pets indoors.
Monitor official emergency communications for updates.
Stay inside until officials announce that the shelter-in-place order has ended or provide different instructions.
Do not leave simply because you don't see or smell anything unusual. Some hazardous substances may not be detectable by your senses.
What Does “Evacuate” Mean?
Evacuation means leaving an area because officials have determined that remaining there may be unsafe.
If you are instructed to evacuate:
Follow the official evacuation instructions.
Leave promptly using the recommended route.
Take essential medications, important documents and emergency supplies when possible.
Bring your pets if it is safe to do so.
Do not take shortcuts or enter restricted areas.
Follow instructions from emergency responders.
Do not return home until officials say it is safe.
If an evacuation route or destination is provided, follow those instructions rather than choosing your own route based on assumptions or social media posts.
Why Would Officials Choose One Over the Other?
The appropriate protective action depends on the type of emergency and current conditions.
For example, during a chemical release, officials may consider factors such as:
The type of chemical involved
The amount released
Wind direction and weather conditions
The location of the incident
Potential exposure areas
Whether conditions are changing
How quickly people can safely leave the affected area
Emergency officials use available information to determine which protective action is appropriate. That is why following official instructions is so important.
Don't Wait for a Siren
Emergency information may come through multiple communication channels. Residents should have more than one way to receive important information.
Ascension CAER works with emergency management partners and local industries to provide emergency information to the community through established notification systems.
Depending on the emergency and the systems available, notifications may reach residents through mobile phones, television, landlines and other communication channels.
Make sure your family knows where to find verified emergency information and what to do when an alert is received.
Don't Rely on Rumors
During an emergency, information can spread quickly on social media and through word of mouth. Unfortunately, not everything you see or hear will be accurate.
When an emergency occurs, look for information from official emergency management agencies, Ascension CAER and other authorized sources.
Avoid sharing unverified information that could cause confusion or lead someone to take an unsafe action.
Make Your Emergency Plan Now
The worst time to figure out whether your family knows what to do is during an emergency.
Talk with your family now about:
How you will receive emergency alerts.
Where you will shelter if instructed to stay indoors.
What you will take if evacuation is ordered.
How you will communicate if family members are separated.
How you will handle medications, children, elderly family members and pets.
Where you will get official information during an emergency.
A few minutes of preparation today can help your family respond with confidence when every minute matters.
Remember: Follow the Instructions You Receive
The most important rule during a chemical or industrial emergency is simple:
Follow the protective action instructions issued by emergency officials.
If officials tell you to shelter in place, go inside and stay inside.
If officials tell you to evacuate, leave as directed.
Do not assume that you know which action is safest based on what you can see, smell or hear. Conditions can change quickly, and emergency officials have access to information that may not be available to the public.
Stay Alert. Stay Informed. Be Prepared.
Ascension CAER is committed to helping residents understand how emergency notification systems work and what they can do to prepare before an emergency happens.
Make sure you and your family know how you will receive an emergency alert—and know the difference between sheltering in place and evacuating.
Prepare today. Know what to do tomorrow.
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