Tips to avoid car break-ins
Here are some tips to help you avoid being a victim of car break-ins.
Get an alarm
Invest in an alarm for your vehicle to drive away criminals.
Lock your doors
Criminals gained access to vehicles through unlocked doors in nearly a quarter of all thefts from vehicles. Never leave your car unlocked, even if you’re away only briefly, and even in your own driveway.
Clean up inside
An empty bag or container could tempt thieves. If your SUV or station wagon has an open compartment, secure it with a retractable cover.
Hide your valuables
Don’t leave valuables in sight inside your vehicle. Put wallets, electronics, and purses in the trunk or carry them with you. Don’t forget accessories like adapters, windshield mounts, and power plugs.
Hide before parking
Thieves look for drivers in parking lots hiding their valuables: Put new items in your trunk when you return from the store, not when you get to the next destination.
SAFETY TIPS: What should you do? CALL
By Sgt. Twana Chick, Metro Police
Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 9:00 a.m.
Although West Precinct has made numerous arrests of burglars recently, we need everyone to remain watchful and willing to call in suspicious activity.
Take notice and call police if someone knocks on your door and has any kind of odd exchange with you. That’s a huge red flag. CALL US if they knock, look in the windows, and then express surprise when you yell through the door. (Don’t open it.)
If they ask for someone you’ve never heard of and you’ve lived there a decade, get nervous and CALL.
If they say they are selling vacuum cleaners but they have no literature, no vacuums, and no vehicle, CALL. If they come to your door offering a too-good-to-be-true deal on gutters, yard work, driveway sealant, painting, junk removal, or anything else, CALL.
If they say they are selling anything and have no permit around their neck, CALL.
If they are sitting in the street, and you know the car doesn’t belong to neighbors, CALL. (They might need our help, after all.) If someone walks down your driveway or your neighbor’s driveway in the middle of the day, CALL.
If you see them go into your neighbor’s yard and take their furniture, garden hose, lawnmower, bicycle, utility trailer, or anything else when the neighbor is gone, CALL. I assure you it won’t really be their nephew Johnny who has permission to use the mower while they are at work.
If you see interior car lights coming on up and down the street at midnight, someone is checking door handles. CALL. If your car alarm goes off at 1 a.m., don’t assume it is nothing. CALL.
If you see people wandering around your neighborhood with no obvious purpose, and you know your neighborhood is having burglaries, you don’t have to decide if they are up to something. That’s our job, and we will happily talk to them. CALL. They might be skipping school, they might be burglars, or they might be a neighbor you don’t know who will be glad someone is paying attention.
DO lock your doors even when you are home.
DO lock your mowers, tillers, etc. up even when you go inside for a bathroom break.
DO pay attention—especially this time of year—to trucks and trailers cruising the area. Think of how few seconds it takes to throw a mower in the back and keep driving.
DO have pictures of all your jewelry, silver, electronics, and other valuables.
DO NOT leave your valuables in your vehicle even in your own driveway, especially purses, wallets, laptops, guns, and checkbooks. Always remove the valuables, and always lock the car!
You have helped us catch so many suspects. Know that we are still counting on you.
Even though we have extra persons out there, you will still see more than we do. That will always be true.
Be sure to call 862-8600 to get to those who are working at that moment. If you want to send me an email secondarily with the same information, that’s great: twana.chick@nashville.gov.
Computer crimes
Victimization of persons through the criminal use of the Internet continues to be a problem. Please encourage your friends and family to not post personal information, including vacation plans, on the Internet.
Use due caution when adding persons as “friends” on social networking sites.
Parents, pay close attention to what your children are sharing. Revealing that you received an expensive new item for your home and that you will be out of town for a week raises the likelihood that you will suffer a loss.
Additionally, talk with your not-so-computer-savvy relatives and friends about using caution, and warn them of links in emails that can install malicious programs.
Those who grew up with computers have a distinct advantage over those who did not. If you have a good understanding of the dangers, help educate them. You can save them from financial hardship.
Numerous arrests resulted recently from the owner’s having locator software on the electronic device, and leads from this are still being followed. This one citizen’s diligence led to the arrest of numerous persons, recovery of hundreds of items, cases solved from three counties, and two search warrants executed.
I cannot stress enough the importance of enabling the tracking software on your iPads, iPhones, Android devices, laptops, and other devices. It takes moments and costs pennies.
Previous
Keep eyes open for suspicious behavior
February 12, 2013 10:17 AM
By Sgt. Twana Chick, Metro Police
Metro Police Department depends on the cooperation of citizens to help them keep our homes and neighborhoods safe. One way you can help is to report behavior that seems suspicious.
Please do not discount any vehicle or person exhibiting suspicious activity. Always pay attention to the behavior, not just a description, because descriptions vary widely.
Please report everything to 862-8600. You are also welcome to send me a direct email after calling dispatch as a second layer of ensuring that the information is passed along.
Here are some behaviors you may wish to consider to decide if a person or vehicle is suspicious:
- Vehicles pulling into multiple driveways, especially where no one is home.
- Vehicles parked in unusual places as though they are waiting on someone.
- Persons knocking on doors and asking for someone who doesn’t live there, or saying they are looking for another address.
- Vehicles pulling into multiple driveways while persons are known to be at work.
- Vehicles pausing beside storage buildings or items sitting in a yard, especially when the homeowner is known not to be at home.
- Persons offering to do work for cheaper than normal, unsolicited.
- Persons traveling around large areas of a parking lot on foot late at night.
By Sgt. Twana Chick, West Precinct Community Affairs Coordinator
Several types of crimes show an upward trend during holiday periods.
One that we always see more of around holidays are the reports of thefts from motor vehicles where shopping packages were left in the vehicle.
It often occurs after shoppers make large purchases, returns to their vehicles to drop those packages and then continue shopping.
The easy way to prevent this crime is the same thing that works all year:
- Don’t leave valuables in the passenger area of the vehicle.
- Lock such items in the trunk when a trunk is available.
- When no trunk is available, as in SUVs, make sure that valuables are locked in the glove box, and be mindful of where you park in order to lessen your chances for an auto burglary.
- Never leave apparent valuables (shopping bags) where they can easily be seen.
- If you have just made a purchase of several hundred dollars’ worth of Christmas gifts, and your window costs $400 for replacement, I suggest it is well worth it to simply take packages home if you cannot secure them, and then make another trip to the store.
This year, we continue to have more and more thefts that involve debit or credit cards in some fashion.
- Keep them secure. That includes being mindful of web purchases (make sure it is a legitimate site), never leaving your purse unattended—not even for ten seconds—and never giving your credit card number out over the phone to someone who calls and asks for it.
- If you use your card in a store, make sure it stays in your sight.
- Check your bank account regularly for unauthorized purchases or overages on purchases you made.
- If you use a card instead of checks for most purchases, strongly consider having a card that is attached to a separate account so that if your card does become compromised, it does not also affect your automatic payments of utilities, mortgages and other important items.
Other usual items to reiterate include:
- Don’t allow mail/newspapers to accumulate if you are going out of town.
- Have neighbors watch your homes and have a way to contact you in the event of an emergency.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
- Use timers to activate lights, televisions, etc., to give the appearance that someone is home.
- Park different vehicles in the driveway from time to time.
- Criminals do check neighborhoods ahead of time, so don’t give them an easy, predictable pattern.
- Pay attention if you see someone watching you leave, and call the police immediately if you see this.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 5:26 PM
Lock your doors, even when you are at home. Sporadic burglaries continue to occur in all areas of the West Sector, Sergeant Twana Chick said. “More than anything, please continue the great job you are doing with calling in suspicious-person calls,” she said. “Tips from citizens have led to numerous arrests of burglary suspects this year.”
Keep your car locked, even if it’s in your own driveway. Chick reports that the West Sector (which includes Forest Hills) has seen a significant drop in auto burglaries this year, but recently has experienced several cases where suspects entered unlocked vehicles. She reminds residents to report all incidents, even if nothing was taken.
Don’t leave items in your vehicle while at the club. Store personal belongings in club lockers using a good-quality lock while you work out, golf, swim, play tennis, or use club facilities for more than a few minutes at a time.
Beware of solicitors. Never allow solicitors into your home. Do not answer the door if the situation seems suspicious or threatening. Anyone soliciting door-to-door in Forest Hills is required to obtain a permit from City Hall and to show you that permit upon request. Get the name, company name, and phone number of anyone soliciting without a permit and report it to the City office.
Forest Hills residents are cautioned to avoid leaving small animals outside overnight.
Coyote sightings are frequent in local neighborhoods, and recently a bobcat was spotted in the City. This emphasizes the importance of doing what you can to discourage their presence.
Because coyotes are able to adapt to the habitat so well, their numbers are increasing. Most experts predict that the coyote population will continue to grow.
In general, coyote population control has been ineffective.
Coyotes are active primarily in early evening but do show sporadic activity during in the day. Pups are more active than adults during the day.
Urban coyotes are not typically violent to humans, eating primarily rodents, insects and snakes. However, they are opportunistic: They will eat cats and small dogs on occasion if they encounter them.
Here are some tips to deal with coyotes, bobcats, and other predators.
- Keep your cats and small dogs indoors overnight. You are unlikely to encounter coyotes during daylight hours.
- Eliminate food sources. Do not leave food for your pets outside or in accessible garages and utility sheds. If you must feed your pets outside, take the bowl back inside with you when they finish eating. Do not leave food out for wildlife under any circumstances.
- Clean up areas that attract rodents. Rodents are a prime food source for predators.
- Eliminate water sources. Water attracts snakes, birds, and rodents, and predators will be drawn there to eat them.
- Coyotes are here to stay. You can’t eliminate them, so your best bet is to discourage them from residing in your neighborhood. When you spot one, do everything you can to appear threatening. Make loud noises, throw rocks, shake a stick, chase it away.
- Communicate with neighbors, so that everyone is on the alert, and everyone cooperates in scaring off predators.
- Report aggressive behavior displayed by coyotes or bobcats to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 781-660.
More
Disaster Preparedness
What to do Before a Tornado
Be alert to changing weather conditions.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Large hail
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
- Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
What to Do During a Tornado
If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!
If you are in: Then:
A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building). Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home. Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
The outside with no shelter. Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
What to do Before a Fire
The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of a fire:
Smoke Alarms
Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.
Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence. Place them outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (4 to 12 inches from ceiling), at the top of open stairways, or at the bottom of enclosed stairs and near (but not in) the kitchen.
Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.
Escaping the Fire
Review escape routes with your family. Practice escaping from each room.
Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut. Make sure security gratings on windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be easily opened from the inside.
Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level, and ensure that burglar bars and other antitheft mechanisms that block outside window entry are easily opened from the inside.
Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a fire) when escaping from a fire.
Clean out storage areas. Do not let trash, such as old newspapers and magazines, accumulate.
Flammable Items
Never use gasoline, benzine, naptha, or similar flammable liquids indoors.
Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated storage areas.
Never smoke near flammable liquids.
Discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids after you have used them. Safely discard them outdoors in a metal container.
Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. The chimney should be at least three feet higher than the roof. Remove branches hanging above and around the chimney.
Heating Sources
Be careful when using alternative heating sources.
Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Be sure to fill kerosene heaters outside, and be sure they have cooled.
Place heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Make sure the floor and nearby walls are properly insulated.
Use only the type of fuel designated for your unit and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Store ashes in a metal container outside and away from your residence.
Keep open flames away from walls, furniture, drapery, and flammable items.
Keep a screen in front of the fireplace.
Have heating units inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.
Matches and Smoking
Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children, and, if possible, in a locked cabinet.
Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated. Provide smokers with deep, sturdy ashtrays. Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.
Electrical Wiring
Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician.
Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic areas.
Do not overload extension cords or outlets. If you need to plug in two or three appliances, get a UL-approved unit with built-in circuit breakers to prevent sparks and short circuits.
Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring.
Other
Sleep with your door closed.
Install A-B-C-type fire extinguishers in your residence and teach family members how to use them.
Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.
Ask your local fire department to inspect your residence for fire safety and prevention.
What to Do Before a Thunderstorm
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
The following are guidelines for what you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:
- Postpone outdoor activities.
- Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
- Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
- Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
- Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
- Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
- Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
Avoid the following:
- Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
- Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water
- Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
- Anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:
- Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
- Sand to improve traction
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
Prepare your home and family
Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow – or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Prepare your car
Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
Antifreeze levels: Ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Battery and ignition system: Should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
Brakes: Check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust system: Check for leaks and crimped pipes andrepair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel and air filters. Replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
Heater and defroster: Ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights: Check for serviceability.
Oil: Check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Thermostat: Ensure it works properly.
Windshield wiper equipment: Repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
- A shovel
- Windshield scraper and small broom
- Flashlight
- Battery powered radio
- Extra batteries
- Water
- Snack food
- Matches
- Extra hats, socks and mittens
- First aid kit with pocket knife
- Necessary medications
- Blanket(s)
- Tow chain or rope
- Road salt and sand
- Booster cables
- Emergency flares
- Fluorescent distress flag
Dress for the Weather
Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat.
Before Extreme Heat
To prepare for extreme heat, you should:
- Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
- Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
- Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
- Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
- Keep storm windows up all year.
Before a Flood
To prepare for a flood, you should:
- Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
- Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
- Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
- Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.
- Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
The smartest thing you can do to prepare for floods is purchase flood insurance.
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.
Six Ways to Plan Ahead
Check for Hazards in the Home
- Fasten shelves securely to walls.
- Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
- Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
- Brace overhead light fixtures.
- Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
- Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
- Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
- Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
- Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
- Against an inside wall.
- Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
- In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
Educate Yourself and Family Members
- Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the “How-To Series” for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
- Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
- Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Emergency food and water.
- onelectric can opener.
- Essential medicines.
- sh and credit cards.
- Sturdy shoes.
Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
- Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Help Your Community Get Ready
- Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
- Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
- Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
- Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
- Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
- Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.
What to do Before a Hazardous Materials Incident
Many communities have Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) whose responsibilities include collecting information about hazardous materials in the community and making this information available to the public upon request. The LEPCs also are tasked with developing an emergency plan to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in the community. Ways the public will be notified and actions the public must take in the event of a release are part of the plan.
Contact the LEPCs to find out more about chemical hazards and what needs to be done to minimize the risk to individuals and the community from these materials. Your local emergency management office can provide contact information on the LEPCs. Tennessee Agency of Emergency Management
You should add the following supplies to your disaster kit:
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Scissors
Terrorism
Prepare to deal with a terrorist incident by adapting many of the same techniques used to prepare for other crises.
- Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. The very nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning.
- Take precautions when traveling.
- Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers.
- Do not leave luggage unattended.
- Learn where emergency exits are located.
- In an unfamiliar building be aware of your immediate surroundings including your closest exits.
- Be aware of heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.
People who live or work in a multi-level building can do the following:
- Review emergency evacuation procedures and know where fire exits are located.
- Create an emergency communications plan with an out-of-town family member or friend that will be unlikely to be affected by the same emergency.
Evacuation
Authorities will determine if evacuation is necessary based on the type and duration of the incident. Other considerations are the length of time it should take to evacuate the area, weather conditions, and the time of day.
If evacuated: Stay tuned to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and other procedures. Follow the routes recommended by the authorities–shortcuts may not be safe.
Shelters: Temporary shelters are schools, churches and other places of public assembly that are utilized during incidents requiring citizens to be evacuated from a specific area of The City of Franklin or Williamson County. Tune to radio and television for information on the nearest open shelter to your location. If radio and television communications are disrupted, local emergency personnel will direct you as needed.
Take pre-assembled emergency supplies.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.
Plan to take your pets with you; do not leave them behind. Because pets are not permitted in public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative or friend’s home, or find a location that will allow pets.
Sheltering In-Place
If asked to stay indoors (“In-Place Sheltering”), seal your house so contaminants cannot enter. Close and lock windows and doors. Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape. Seal gaps around window and air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper or aluminum wrap.
Close fireplace dampers. Close off nonessential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms and extra bedrooms.
Turn off ventilation systems.
