WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – While we are safely past the seasonal flood of Halloween-themed horror movies, that doesn’t mean that real floods or other potential horrors aren’t still a concern.

In our continuing Prepare in a Year series, November’s topic is a timely one. Whether it’s due to volcanic ash, hazardous materials, or even unplowed roads, it is important to know how to “shelter in place.”

First, though, we need to know what that means.  Officially and unofficially.

Officially, shelter in place means to have a safe room in your home, protected from outside air or contaminants. If you’re in an area that receives an official “shelter in place” notice, plan to:

  • Go inside immediately (don’t forget the kids and pets)
  • Tightly lock all doors and windows
  • Shut off fans or devices that circulate air and put out any fires, close woodstove or fireplace dampers, and turn off air conditions or fans
  • Take a radio or internet-accessible device (to monitor conditions) with you into the safe room and:
    • Cover windows, doors, vents, heat registers, and fans
    • Place towels under doors cracks to seal them
    • Tape outlets, cables, switches, and any landline jacks

The goal is to create a space that’s completely protected until dangerous outside air clears. Local officials will announce when the danger has passed via news or social media. Bookmark the WhatcomReady Facebook page and website, local radio and County Public Works as emergency information resources.

While a toxic cloud is a potential threat in our area, its likelihood is low. That’s why it’s also important to know how to unofficially shelter in place.

If you live in an area that floods or experiences snow drifts, your home may be your refuge for days – or weeks. If unplowed roads keep you trapped at home, are you Two Weeks Ready?

If not, here’s a crash course in emergency preparedness:

  • Have two weeks’ food and water for the entire household (including pets)
  • Plan to meet your sanitation needs (especially if there’s no power)
  • Ensure you have a sufficient supply of medications
  • Have battery-powered radio and flashlights handy, along with spare batteries
  • Don’t forget comfort – games, treats, photos, cozy blankets.

If the worst doesn’t happen this winter, come April you can enjoy those comfort items stress-free.

Amy Cloud is the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management.  She was born and raised locally, leaving for Whitman College and work in Seattle, Knoxville and Washington, D.C. She returned to work as Supervising News Producer and reporter for KVOS-TV’s NewsView before switching to communications for WWU, PeaceHealth and the City of Bellingham. She also co-chairs the Community PIO Group and is a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues.