How to Prepare for a Shelter-in-Place Order: A Complete Guide to Staying Safe at Home

When authorities issue a shelter-in-place order, it means staying exactly where you are—whether that’s your home, workplace, or other location—until officials declare it safe to leave. Unlike evacuation orders that direct you to relocate, shelter-in-place instructions require you to secure yourself immediately where you stand. These orders typically arise during emergencies like chemical spills, active shooter situations, severe weather events, or public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding how to properly prepare for these situations can mean the difference between comfort and crisis during extended periods indoors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shelter-in-place preparation, from creating a dedicated space to stocking essential supplies and maintaining your mental health during confinement.

Understanding Shelter-in-Place Orders

Shelter-in-place orders can be issued by local, state, or federal authorities during various emergency situations. These directives are designed to protect the public from external threats by minimizing movement and exposure. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the nature of the emergency, the fundamental goal remains consistent: keep people safely indoors until the threat subsides.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shelter-in-place orders can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the severity and nature of the emergency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, some shelter-in-place orders extended for months in certain regions, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation.

Understanding the different types of shelter-in-place scenarios helps you prepare appropriately:

Short-term chemical/biological incidents: Typically last hours while hazardous materials dissipate
Weather-related emergencies: May last 1-3 days until conditions improve
Public health emergencies: Can extend for weeks or months
Security threats: Usually resolved within hours but can be unpredictable

Our emergency preparedness experts emphasize that each type of shelter-in-place scenario requires slightly different preparations. For chemical incidents, you’ll need to focus on sealing a room quickly, while longer-term situations demand more substantial food and water supplies. Understanding these distinctions will help you prepare more effectively for various scenarios.

Creating a Shelter-in-Place Plan for Your Household

Developing a comprehensive shelter-in-place plan is essential for ensuring everyone in your household knows exactly what to do when an order is issued. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends creating written plans that account for all household members, including children, elderly relatives, and pets. A well-structured plan eliminates confusion during high-stress situations and helps maintain order when normal routines are disrupted.

Based on our experience working with families on emergency preparedness, we’ve found that the most effective shelter-in-place plans include clear role assignments and regular practice drills. When everyone knows their responsibilities—whether that’s gathering supplies, securing entry points, or accounting for pets—the transition to sheltering in place becomes much smoother.

Essential Elements of Your Shelter-in-Place Plan

Your shelter-in-place plan should be comprehensive yet easy to follow. Include these key components:

Designated shelter rooms: Identify which room(s) in your home will serve as primary and backup shelter locations
Communication protocol: Establish how family members will contact each other if separated
Role assignments: Determine who will be responsible for specific tasks during an emergency
Special needs considerations: Document accommodations for family members with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special requirements
Pet care plan: Include provisions for pet safety and care
Emergency contact list: Compile important phone numbers including local emergency services, family members, and neighbors

Our team always recommends storing your plan in multiple formats—printed copies in your emergency kit, digital copies on your devices, and perhaps even laminated quick-reference cards for each family member. This redundancy ensures you can access critical information regardless of the circumstances.

Choosing the Right Room for Sheltering in Place

Selecting the appropriate room(s) for sheltering in place depends on the nature of the emergency. For chemical, biological, or nuclear threats, the CDC recommends choosing an interior room with few or no windows, preferably on an upper floor for chemical spills that produce heavier-than-air gases. During severe weather events, however, basement or ground-floor rooms away from windows provide better protection.

When helping clients prepare their homes, we’ve observed that multi-purpose rooms that can be quickly converted for emergency use tend to be most practical. Consider these factors when selecting your shelter room:

Size and comfort: Ensure adequate space for all household members to remain comfortably for extended periods
Access to utilities: Choose a location with electrical outlets and, if possible, proximity to water sources
Ventilation options: For non-airborne threats, rooms with adjustable ventilation provide better comfort
Structural integrity: Select rooms with solid construction, particularly for weather emergencies
Communication access: Consider cell phone reception and internet connectivity

In our experience, bathrooms often make excellent short-term shelter locations for chemical incidents because they typically have minimal windows, access to water, and easily sealable doors. For longer-term situations, living rooms or family rooms with access to entertainment options help maintain morale.

Essential Supplies for Shelter-in-Place Scenarios

Building a comprehensive supply cache is crucial for shelter-in-place readiness. The Department of Homeland Security recommends preparing for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency, though our specialists emphasize that a two-week supply provides better security for prolonged emergencies. Recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic and extended weather emergencies have demonstrated that longer preparation periods are increasingly necessary.

When assembling your supplies, focus on versatility and longevity. Items with multiple uses and extended shelf lives offer the best value and reliability during emergencies. Our team has found that organizing supplies by category and regularly rotating perishable items helps maintain readiness without waste.

Food and Water Supplies

Water and food represent your most critical shelter-in-place resources. The American Red Cross recommends storing one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. For food, focus on nutritionally dense, easy-to-prepare options that require minimal water and cooking.

Water storage: One gallon per person per day (minimum 3-day supply, ideally 2 weeks)
Water purification: Filters, purification tablets, or household bleach (unscented with 6-8.25% sodium hypochlorite)
Non-perishable foods: Canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars
Special dietary needs: Baby formula, special foods for dietary restrictions
Comfort foods: Chocolate, coffee, tea, or other items that boost morale
Manual can opener: Essential for accessing canned foods
Cooking tools: Camp stove with fuel (for use only with proper ventilation), disposable utensils, plates

Based on our field testing of various emergency food options, we’ve found that a combination of commercially prepared emergency food kits supplemented with familiar pantry staples works best for most families. The familiar foods provide comfort, while purpose-made emergency supplies offer extended shelf life and compact storage.

First Aid and Medication Supplies

Medical readiness is particularly important during shelter-in-place situations when access to healthcare facilities may be limited. Your medical supplies should address both everyday injuries and chronic health conditions.

Comprehensive first aid kit: Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, scissors, thermometer
Prescription medications: At least a 30-day supply of essential medications
Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, antacids
Personal protective equipment: Face masks, disposable gloves, eye protection
First aid guide: Written instructions for treating common injuries
Sanitization supplies: Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol), disinfectant wipes, soap

Our emergency preparedness experts recommend creating a medication inventory with dosage information and expiration dates. This simple document can be invaluable during emergencies, especially if someone unfamiliar with the medications needs to administer them.

Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies

Maintaining proper hygiene becomes increasingly important during extended shelter-in-place periods. Beyond comfort, good sanitation practices prevent illness that could complicate an already challenging situation.

Toilet paper and paper towels: Store in waterproof containers
Personal hygiene items: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products
Disinfectants: Bleach, disinfectant sprays, and wipes
Garbage bags: Heavy-duty plastic bags for waste containment
Plastic bucket with tight lid: Can serve as emergency toilet if water service is interrupted
Moist towelettes: For cleaning when water is limited

What our specialists have seen work well is creating modular hygiene kits for each family member. These personalized kits help maintain a sense of normalcy and personal space during stressful situations, which can significantly impact psychological well-being during confinement.

Communication and Information Tools

Staying informed and connected is vital during shelter-in-place scenarios. Access to accurate information helps you make better decisions and reduces anxiety caused by uncertainty.

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: Preferably NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Extra batteries: For all battery-powered devices
Cell phone with chargers and backup battery: Consider solar chargers or power banks
Whistle: To signal for help if needed
Local maps: Physical maps of your area
Emergency contact information: Written list of important phone numbers
Notebook and pencils: For recording information or leaving messages

In our experience working with clients through various emergencies, we’ve found that having redundant communication methods is crucial. When cell networks become overwhelmed during widespread emergencies, alternative communication tools like radios can become your primary information source.

Securing Your Shelter Location

Once you’ve gathered supplies and selected your shelter location, you need to know how to properly secure it. The specific sealing procedures will vary depending on the nature of the emergency. For airborne hazards like chemical spills or biological threats, creating an airtight environment is critical. For security threats or pandemic situations, physical security and controlled access become more important.

Ready.gov outlines specific procedures for different types of shelter-in-place scenarios, emphasizing the importance of practicing these procedures before an emergency occurs. Our team has observed that families who practice their shelter-in-place procedures can seal a room in less than 10 minutes—a significant improvement over the 20-30 minutes typically required by unprepared households.

Sealing a Room for Chemical or Biological Threats

For chemical, biological, or radiological emergencies, you may need to create a temporary sealed environment to prevent outside air from entering. This process requires preparation and specific supplies:

Plastic sheeting: Pre-cut plastic sheeting for each window and vent (6-mil thickness recommended)
Duct tape: Heavy-duty tape for sealing plastic sheeting
Towels or rags: For blocking gaps under doors
Scissors: For cutting additional plastic sheeting if needed
Ventilation considerations: Turn off HVAC systems, exhaust fans, and close fireplace dampers

Based on our field testing, we recommend pre-measuring and cutting plastic sheeting for each window and vent in your designated shelter room. Store these with labels indicating their intended location, along with duct tape, in an easily accessible “seal the room” kit that can be quickly deployed during an emergency.

Physical Security Measures

For security-related shelter-in-place situations or civil unrest scenarios, physical security becomes paramount. Consider these protective measures:

Door reinforcement: Install deadbolts, security bars, or door reinforcement kits
Window security: Security film, window bars, or shutters
Visibility control: Blackout curtains or blinds to prevent outside visibility
Safe room supplies: Consider a dedicated safe room with reinforced walls for extreme situations

Our specialists emphasize that basic security improvements like door reinforcement kits and window security film provide significant protection with relatively modest investment. These passive security measures work continuously without requiring action during an emergency.

Maintaining Essential Services During Extended Shelter-in-Place

Extended shelter-in-place scenarios may involve disruptions to utilities and services. According to FEMA, approximately 60% of Americans have experienced at least a 24-hour power outage, highlighting the importance of preparation for utility disruptions. Planning for these contingencies ensures basic comfort and safety during prolonged periods indoors.

What our experts have seen work well is a layered approach to backup systems—starting with simple, low-tech solutions that require no power or special skills, then adding more sophisticated options as budget and space allow. This approach ensures you have multiple fallback positions if primary systems fail.

Power Alternatives and Backup Systems

Electricity powers many essential aspects of modern life, from refrigeration to communication. Having backup power options significantly improves comfort during extended shelter-in-place periods.

Portable power stations: Battery-based power stations with solar charging capability
Generators: Fuel-powered generators (for use only with proper ventilation)
Solar chargers: Portable solar panels for charging devices
Battery banks: High-capacity battery packs for phones and small electronics
Extra batteries: Standard batteries for flashlights and other devices

Our team always recommends that clients start with a portable power station like the Jackery Explorer series for essential devices before investing in larger systems. These versatile units provide reliable power for communication devices and lighting without the noise, fumes, or maintenance requirements of fuel-powered generators.

Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation

Maintaining comfortable temperatures becomes critical during extended shelter-in-place periods, particularly in extreme weather conditions. The CDC reports that extreme temperatures pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children.

Alternative heating: Indoor-safe propane heaters, kerosene heaters (with proper ventilation), or wood-burning stoves
Cooling options: Battery-powered fans, cooling towels, or spray bottles for evaporative cooling
Temperature regulation: Thermal blankets, sleeping bags rated for low temperatures
Ventilation planning: Battery-powered fans for air circulation when safe

Based on our field testing of various emergency heating options, we’ve found that Mr. Heater Buddy propane heaters offer an excellent balance of safety and effectiveness for indoor emergency heating. Always ensure proper ventilation when using any combustion-based heating system and install carbon monoxide detectors in your shelter area.

Water and Sanitation Backup Plans

Water service disruptions can quickly escalate a shelter-in-place situation from inconvenient to dangerous. The EPA recommends storing emergency water and having multiple methods to purify additional water if needed.

Water storage: Water bricks, bathtub water storage bladders, or other containers
Water purification: Filters, purification tablets, or boiling capabilities
Toilet alternatives: Portable camping toilets or 5-gallon buckets with toilet seats and waste bags
Hygiene with limited water: No-rinse bathing wipes, dry shampoo

Our emergency preparedness experts recommend the EPIC Water Filter systems for emergency water purification due to their reliability and effectiveness against a broad spectrum of contaminants. Having multiple water purification methods provides redundancy if your primary method fails or becomes depleted.

Mental Health and Well-being During Confinement

The psychological impact of extended shelter-in-place orders shouldn’t be underestimated. According to the American Psychological Association, extended isolation and confinement can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Preparing for these psychological challenges is just as important as physical preparation.

What our team has observed during extended emergency situations is that households with established routines and meaningful activities tend to maintain better morale and functionality. Creating structure helps maintain a sense of normalcy and purpose during disrupted periods.

Maintaining Routines and Activities

Structured routines provide stability during uncertain times. Consider these strategies for maintaining healthy patterns:

Daily schedules: Maintain regular wake/sleep times and meal schedules
Physical activity: Exercise routines that can be performed in limited space
Educational activities: Books, puzzles, or learning projects
Entertainment options: Board games, cards, downloaded movies, or books
Productive projects: Home repairs, organization, or creative endeavors

In our experience helping families through extended emergencies, we’ve found that having age-appropriate activities prepared in advance significantly reduces stress for both children and adults. Consider creating “emergency entertainment kits” with special activities only to be used during shelter-in-place situations.

Stress Management Techniques

Proactively managing stress during confinement helps prevent more serious psychological issues. The CDC recommends several evidence-based approaches:

Mindfulness practices: Meditation, deep breathing exercises
Physical activity: Yoga, stretching, or bodyweight exercises
Limited media consumption: Scheduled times for news updates to avoid overexposure
Connection maintenance: Regular communication with friends and family outside your household
Journaling: Recording thoughts and experiences

Our specialists emphasize the importance of having offline stress management resources available. Don’t rely solely on internet-based meditation apps or exercise videos that may be inaccessible during connectivity disruptions. Printed guides, downloaded content, and independent practice skills provide more reliable support.

Special Considerations for Children and Vulnerable Individuals

Children, elderly family members, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions may require additional support during shelter-in-place situations. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that children particularly benefit from age-appropriate explanations and involvement in emergency preparation.

Age-appropriate explanations: Clear, honest information without causing unnecessary fear
Comfort items: Familiar toys, blankets, or objects that provide security
Involvement in preparation: Age-appropriate tasks that help children feel empowered
Medication management: Ensure adequate supplies of psychiatric medications
Support resources: Contact information for mental health hotlines or telehealth services

Based on our work with families during emergency situations, we’ve found that creating “comfort boxes” for each family member—containing personal items that provide psychological support—can be tremendously beneficial during stressful confinement periods.

Special Considerations for Different Shelter-in-Place Scenarios

Different emergencies require specific adaptations to your shelter-in-place strategy. According to FEMA data, the most common shelter-in-place scenarios include severe weather events, public health emergencies, and hazardous material incidents. Each presents unique challenges requiring tailored preparations.

Our emergency preparedness experts recommend developing modular plans that can be adapted to different scenarios rather than creating entirely separate preparations for each potential emergency. This approach maximizes the utility of your core supplies while allowing for scenario-specific additions.

Pandemic or Infectious Disease Outbreaks

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of specific preparations for infectious disease scenarios. CDC guidelines emphasize several key considerations:

Extended supply requirements: Prepare for potentially months-long restrictions
Infection control: Masks, gloves, and disinfection supplies
Isolation protocols: Plans for isolating sick household members
Remote work/education: Equipment and space for working or learning from home
Prescription management: 90-day supplies of essential medications when possible

What our specialists have seen work well during pandemic situations is creating a dedicated isolation area within the home that can be quickly implemented if a household member becomes ill. This might include a separate bedroom with its own supplies, communication devices, and comfort items.

Severe Weather and Natural Disasters

Weather events often trigger shelter-in-place orders, particularly when evacuation routes are compromised. The National Weather Service recommends specific preparations for different weather emergencies:

Location selection: Basements for tornadoes, upper floors for flooding
Structural reinforcement: Window protection, roof securing
Weather monitoring: Battery-powered NOAA weather radio
Temperature extremes: Additional heating or cooling provisions
Flood preparation: Elevated storage for supplies, water barriers

Our team always recommends that clients consider the most likely natural disasters for their specific geographic location and prioritize preparations accordingly. For instance, coastal residents should focus more heavily on hurricane preparation, while those in tornado-prone regions should emphasize different protective measures.

Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Incidents

Industrial accidents, transportation incidents, or intentional attacks may release hazardous materials requiring immediate shelter-in-place action. The Department of Homeland Security outlines specific protocols:

Rapid room sealing: Pre-cut plastic sheeting and duct tape
Air filtration: HEPA filters or improvised air filtration
Protective equipment: Respirators, protective clothing
Decontamination supplies: Materials for removing contaminants before entering shelter
Quick-action plans: Procedures that can be implemented within minutes

Based on our field testing of various shelter-in-place techniques, we’ve found that regular practice drills dramatically improve response time for sealing rooms. A well-prepared household can typically seal a room in under 10 minutes—critical when minutes matter in chemical exposure scenarios.

After the Order Is Lifted: Recovery and Transition

The period immediately following a shelter-in-place order requires careful planning and consideration. According to FEMA, the recovery phase often presents its own challenges as services may be disrupted, supplies depleted, and normal routines disrupted. Planning for this transition period helps prevent additional hardship after the immediate emergency passes.

In our experience helping clients through various emergency situations, we’ve observed that having a clear “return to normal” plan significantly reduces stress and prevents common post-emergency mistakes like prematurely depleting remaining supplies.

Safely Returning to Normal Activities

When authorities lift shelter-in-place orders, follow these steps for a safe transition:

Verify all-clear status: Confirm through multiple official sources that the order has been lifted
Assess immediate surroundings: Check for hazards before fully resuming activities
Gradual return: Phase back into normal activities rather than immediately resuming all pre-emergency behaviors
Supply management: Inventory remaining emergency supplies and prioritize replenishment
Structural inspection: Check your home for any damage that occurred during the emergency

What our experts have seen work well is creating a simple checklist for the transition period. This helps prevent overlooking important safety steps when everyone is eager to return to normalcy.

Restocking and Preparing for Future Emergencies

Use the post-emergency period to evaluate and improve your preparations for future events:

Supply assessment: Document what you used, what you needed but didn’t have, and what went unused
Improvement plan: Identify weaknesses in your preparations and address them
Rotation schedule: Establish a system for regularly rotating perishable supplies
Documentation: Record lessons learned while they’re fresh in your mind
Community connections: Strengthen relationships with neighbors for mutual aid in future emergencies

Our emergency preparedness team recommends conducting a formal “after-action review” following any shelter-in-place experience. This structured evaluation helps identify both strengths to maintain and weaknesses to address in your emergency preparations.

Conclusion: Building Confidence Through Preparation

Preparing for shelter-in-place scenarios represents one of the most practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones during emergencies. While the specific circumstances requiring sheltering in place may vary widely—from weather events to public health crises—the fundamental principles of preparation remain consistent: gather essential supplies, create clear plans, practice your response, and maintain both physical and psychological readiness.

At Batten Emergency, we’ve seen firsthand how proper preparation transforms frightening situations into manageable challenges. The confidence that comes from knowing you’ve taken concrete steps to protect your household creates resilience that extends beyond specific emergencies into everyday life.

Remember that emergency preparedness is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Regular review and updating of your shelter-in-place plans and supplies ensures you remain ready for whatever challenges may arise. By taking action today, you create peace of mind for tomorrow.

For more guidance on comprehensive emergency preparation, explore our emergency kit guide and family disaster planning resources.

Sources used for this article:

Ready.gov Shelter-in-Place Information, https://www.ready.gov/shelter
CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response, https://emergency.cdc.gov/shelterinplace.asp
FEMA Guidance on Preparing for Emergencies, https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/plan