Evacuate immediately if told to do so by local emergency officials

If you are told by emergency response officials to evacuate your home or business, do so immediately.

• Wear sturdy or protective clothing
• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit
• Lock your home.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities - don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
• If time permits, shut off utilities if instructed to do so and make arrangements for pets.

Shelter-in-place if told to do so by local emergency officials

If you are told by emergency response officials to shelter-in-place in your home or business, do so immediately.

1. Close all doors to the outside and close and lock all windows (windows sometimes seal better when locked).
2. Set all building ventilation systems to 100% recirculation. When this is not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off.
3. Turn off all heating systems.
4. Turn off all air-conditioners and switch inlets to the "closed" position. Seal any gaps around window type air-conditioners with tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper or aluminum wrap.
5. Turn off all exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces.
6. Close all fireplace dampers.
7. Close as many internal doors as possible in your home or other building.
8. Use tape and plastic wrapping, wax paper, or aluminum wrap to cover and seal bathroom exhaust fan grilles, range vents, dryer vents, and other openings to the outside to the extent possible (including any obvious gaps around external windows and doors.).
9. If the gas or vapor is soluble or even partially soluble in water -- hold a wet cloth or handkerchief over your nose and mouth if the gases start to bother you. For a higher degree of protection, go into the bathroom, close the door, and turn on the shower in a strong spray to "wash" the air. Seal any openings to the outside of the bathroom. Don't worry about running out of air to breathe. That is highly unlikely in normal homes and buildings.
10. If an explosion is possible outdoors -- close drapes, curtains, and shades over windows. Stay away from external window to prevent potential injury from flying glass.
11. Minimize the use of elevators in buildings. They tend to "pump" outdoor air in and out of a building as they travel up and down.
12. Tune into the Emergency Alert System on NOAA Weather Radio, 162.55 MHZ, KNEN 94.7 FM, KEXL 106.7 FM, KUSO 92.5 FM, WJAG 780 AM for further information or guidance.

Toxic gases and vapors can pass through tiny spaces where dusts and other aerosols in the air may not. Therefore, shelter-in-place may provide a much greater degree of protection when airborne contaminants are in the form of liquid or solid particles.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHELTER-IN-PLACE FOR ANHYDROUS AMMONIA RELEASES

Avoid open spaces in the upper levels of building as ammonia gas may collect in these areas. Ammonia gas is lighter than air, but clings to water molecules.

When in doubt, shelter-in-place and listen to your battery-powered radio for further instructions.