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Shelter In-Place Plan can save your life

  • Published
  • By Airman Basic Anthony Jennings
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- --  Andersen represents a critical element of Pacific Command's forward presence and deterrence, and protection of the Airmen here from effects of hazardous material (HAZMAT) emergencies and terrorist use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high yield explosives (CBRNE), or an active shooter incident is a top priority.
 
This is why 36th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management and the 36th Wing Inspector General have revised the Shelter In-Place Plan 10-3, covering the proper procedures for planning, response and personal protective actions to take in the event of either emergency. Team Andersen personnel were briefed in mass April 7 to ensure widest dissemination of new information.

"The purpose of the briefings was to orientate the base populace on the proper procedures to follow if a Shelter In-Place was put in effect," said Master Sgt. Carlos Durden, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management superintendent. "It also provided new information regarding actions to take during an active shooter incident. New terminology such as 'lockdown' is something everyone should be aware of because you never know when, where or how an incident such as this may occur. I feel better knowing our personnel are educated and better prepared to respond to these events."

When events like these occur, emergency response officials have two options to protect personnel. One is to evacuate the area affected by the hazard or threat, and the other is to direct "Shelter In-Place," where all will go indoors, close up the building and wait for the danger to pass.

Sheltering in-place is used if a migrating toxic gas or vapor would quickly overtake unprotected or evacuating citizens, or if evacuation would create problems that would outweigh its usefulness. The amount of protection from sheltering in-place depends mainly with the air tightness of the facility and the length of time the facility is exposed to a hazard.

Even the most weather-tight structure will slowly allow contaminated air to enter, however, sealing windows, doors, and vents with plastic sheeting, duct tape and other barrier materials can further reduce infiltration of contaminated air into a facility.

The plan also outlines the materials individuals should have in a Shelter In-Place kit at home or in the workplace. Items listed include, but aren't limited to: an Andersen AFB sector map, administrative supplies such as pens and notepads, wing and unit specific checklists, the Shelter In-Place Plan, communications devices such as cellular phone or land mobile radio, contact listings and sign-in log, plastic sheeting pre-cut and labeled, duct tape, towels, water, first aid kit, flashlights with spare batteries, scissors, and a fire extinguisher.

The briefings also outlined dos and don'ts concerning what to do during an active shooter incident. Those involved in a shooter incident should remain calm, lock all doors, turn off cell phones, so as to not give away your position, and disregard fire alarms, unless fire can be smelled felt or seen.

The information provided at the briefings and in the Shelter In-Place Plan will help individuals protect themselves during an emergency situation, saving lives.

For more information on Shelter In-Place procedures, contact your unit's facility manager.