Shelter in place

Nuclear incidents

Civil Defense No City Safe.jpeg

Recently we have seen the threat of nuclear attack being covered in the news. While this is a very serious risk that government at federal, state and local levels are preparing for, this is not the only nuclear risk we face. 

Another type of threat is a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) or dirty bomb. This is a device that combines conventional explosives with radiological material. An RDD cannot/does not produce a nuclear explosion or atomic blast. However, when it explodes it carries radioactive material into the surrounding area, causing a large radiological area of effect. The main cause of damage would be from the initial explosion, not the radiological material. The material would serve to contaminate the area, and causing the air, water and any food to become unsafe to breath, drink or eat. 

The best course of action if you suspect a RDD was set off in your area is to Shelter In Place (SIP) and follow directions from your local authorities. Generally, you would want to remove all clothes that you were wearing at the time of the possible exposure, put the clothes in a plastic bag and leave them outside and away from other people. Lightly wash your body with a gentle soap, without scrubbing. Then wait indoors until given news that the area is all clear and it is safe to go outside. 

If you need help with your SIP plan or need equipment or a kit to help you shelter in place, World Aware can help with your planning efforts. 

Shelter In Place

This boardroom can double as a shelter room!

This boardroom can double as a shelter room!

To Shelter In Place (SIP) means to separate yourself from a hostile external/outside environment.  This could be for a number of reasons such as gas leaks, Hazardous Material incidents, criminal activity (active shooter or bank robberies in the area) and severe inclement weather.  

Schools and governmental bodies have been making and exercising shelter in place plans for many years, and now many other types of organizations are seeing the need to develop these plans.  After assessing the best methods for sheltering in place, communication and training of staff on these plans is of great importance.  Considerations such as necessary supplies need to be made along with the plan development, as well as any additional steps needed to make the SIP area safer.  

World Aware can help with SIP plan development and training, as well as SIP supplies and equipment.  If you decide you need additional safety, we have extensive experience in dual use Shelter In Place/Safe rooms using security concepts that are nearly undetectable and can be applied to any existing office, conference room or other space. This dual use approach negates the need for a "stand alone" SIP/Safe Room, allowing your work or living space to double as a place of safety for your staff or family. Contact World Aware to discuss how Shelter In Place planning can help you.