An evacuation or moving to a civilian shelter or designated place is more dangerous than remaining where you are in some cases, such as with short- or no-notice emergencies. The direction may be to shelter-in-place, or take temporary protection in a structure or vehicle, in these instances.
Installation procedures designate which responsible party or office will order personnel to shelter-in-place and for how long the order is expected to be in effect. Each installation is responsible for developing Shelter-in-Place Management Teams in designated high-risk or high-occupancy buildings or areas. Plan ahead by having an emergency supply kit with needed food and supplies in the locations you spend most of your time.
How to Prepare:
- Verify and update official contact information in the Marine Corps Enterprise Mass Notification System and register all cell phones, home phone, email addresses, etc. in eMNS to stay informed. Marine Corps installations worldwide use eMNS as an effective and reliable mass notification system to maximize the potential to warn and direct affected personnel during a crisis through multiple systems.
- Know how to turn off your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems without damaging the components.
- Know how to close and secure doors, windows, vents and other exterior openings quickly.
- Identify potential interior space for sheltering-in-place.
- Make an emergency plan.
- Build an emergency kit.
How you will be notified:
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Giant Voice: A voice announcing system using exterior speakers, commonly termed “Giant Voice.”
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Interior Voice: Interior speakers or sirens within individual buildings.
- Enterprise Mass Notification System: An interactive, community notification system capable of providing voice and/or data messages to multiple, designated receivers. Register personal information in eMNS to receive notices after hours and away from the office on personal devices.
If in a car:
- Close windows, vents and HVAC.
- Drive away from visible gas/cloud.
- Tune into Emergency Alert System or radio.
- Wait for all-clear.
- Muster.
If ordered to shelter-in-place:
- Bring everyone safely inside to an interior room or one with as few windows and doors as possible.
- Turn off all HVAC systems.
- Close and secure all doors, windows, vents and other exterior openings.
- Have an emergency supply kit accessible.
- Listen to the radio or television for further instructions.
- When the “all clear” is announced, open windows and doors, turn on ventilation systems and go outside until the building’s air has been exchanged with the outside air.
Once you are in a safe place, follow your command’s protocols for personnel accountability and contact the designated point of contact to check-in and report location and situation.
In the event of an emergency, Marine Corps regional and installation emergency management organizations have plans and procedures to direct personnel to evacuate or take some form of shelter. The preference is generally evacuation for nonessential and nonemergency personnel.
For more information, contact Marvin Thomas, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives protection officer, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, at 229-639-9062.