• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical                      devices.
• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
• Check on neighbors. 

SHELTER IN PLACE

There may be a time when an emergency takes place in our community due to a hazardous materials release. 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 away.

Here are some tips for sheltering in place:

• Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do.
• Watch TV and listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
• Bring your family and pets inside.
• Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.
• Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.
• Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated.
• Go into an interior room with few windows if possible.
• Seal all windows, doors and air vents with thick plastic sheeting and duct tape. Consider measuring and cutting the sheeting in advance to save time.
• Cut the plastic sheeting several inches wider than the openings and label each sheet.
• Duct tape plastic at corners first and then tape down all edges.
• Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you create a barrier between yourself and any contamination.

“Sealing a room” is considered a temporary protective measure to create a barrier between you and potentially contaminated air outside. This type of sheltering in place requires pre-planning, by purchasing plastic sheeting and duct tape that you would keep in your  emergency supply kit.

(Source ready.gov)