When an emergency happens at your facility, the first decision to make is whether to evacuate or take shelter. If ordered to shelter it is important to have sufficient supplies and equipment on-hand to support the needs of staff and visitors for periods ranging from several hours to several days. Use this checklist to determine if you have the  necessary material on hand.

Communication Equipment:

• Communication devices/smart phones capable of receiving news updates.
• Cell phones and/or satellite telephones have been tested and their limitations noted.
• There are portable generators on hand with vented exhaust systems that can supply power to the shelter during an emergency.
• There is/are public address system(s) in the shelters.
• There is/are a cache of office supplies in the shelter, e.g., paper, notepads, staplers, tape, whiteboards, and markers, etc.
• There are hard-wired land lines in the shelter area.

Emergency Equipment:

• At least one current copy of the EAP is stored in the shelter.
• There are battery-powered or hand cranked flashlights, or glow sticks stored in the shelter area.
• Fire extinguishers, blankets, pry-bars (for opening doors that may have been damaged or blocked by debris), stretchers and Automated External Defibrillator(s) are stored in the emergency shelter.
• Trash receptacles, trash can liners and ties, a supply of commonly used tools, and portable heaters are pre-positioned in the shelter.

First-Aid Supplies including:

• Adhesive tape and bandages in assorted sizes are on-hand.
• Safety pins in assorted sizes are in the shelter.
• There is a supply of latex gloves in the shelter.
• Scissors and Tweezers are available in the shelter.
• Antiseptic solutions and antibiotic ointments are in the emergency kit.
• A supply of moistened towelettes are on-hand.
• A supply of non-prescription drugs (e.g. aspirin and non-aspirin pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medications, antacids, syrups of ipecac, laxatives) are available.
• Petroleum jelly is available in the emergency kit.
• Eye drops are available.
• Wooden splints are included in the emergency supply kit.
• Thermometers are available.
• Cotton towels are available.
• Fold up cots are stored in the shelter.
• There are first aid handbooks in the shelter.

Water and Non-Perishable Food:

There are adequate amounts of food and water for duration of the expected event(s) and number of personnel expected to seek shelter.

Sanitary Supplies:

 Sufficient amounts of the following supplies are stored in the shelter

• Toilet Paper.
• Paper towels.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Chlorine bleach.
• Plastic bags.
• Portable chemical toilets, when regular toilets are not contained in the shelter.
• Plastic sheeting (preferably, pre-cut to size to cover any windows & doors and labeled).
• Duct tape for sealing cracks around doors and windows.