There may be a time when an emergency takes place in our community due to a hazardous materials release including chemical, biological and/or radiological contaminants. The outside air quality may be affected to the point that it isn't safe to be outside or to evacuate. In a case like this it is usually safer to shelter-in-place until wind disperses and moves the material.

“Shelter in place” means selecting an interior room(s) or one without, or with few, windows. The below items should be available to you in a toolkit located in or near your shelter in place location: 

•  Plastic for windows
• Duct tape
• Towel for under doors
• Commercially processed bottled water and food that won't spoil
• Sanitation supplies
• Radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• First aid kit

Burleigh County has developed a Shelter In Place Brochure for you to review and/or print at your convenience. The City of Bismarck and Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health have worked in conjunction to create a short guide with tips for sheltering in place. 

Resources

Should I Stay or Should I go? How to Shelter in Place

Design Guidance for Shelters and Safe Rooms