Shelter In Place

Shelter-in-Place is a proven, effective emergency protective action that is used when there is insufficient time to evacuate. Emergency professionals generally agree that the response to an airborne ammonia release is usually Shelter-in-Place. In the event of an accidental ammonia release, neighbors may be asked to Shelter-in-Place rather than evacuate.

• Go inside your home or the home closest to you.
• Take your household pets inside with you, only if it can be done quickly.
• Begin Shelter-in-Place procedures by closing all windows, doors, vents, and fireplace flues.
• Turn off all heating and cooling systems.
• Turn off all devices that circulate air into and through the house, such as window or attic fans and swamp coolers.
• Move everyone into a room with an interior bath and phone if possible.
• Cover windows, doors and ducts in the room with plastic and duct tape.
• Cover any other cracks with wet towels.
• Turn on the shower with warm water.
• Turn your radio on to listen for further advice.
• Stay inside until informed by the LEPC by radio, telephone or siren that it is safe to leave.

• Instructional video
• Instructional pamphlet
• Duct tape
• Plastic sheeting
• Scissors
• Small towels
• Large towels
• Portable radio
• Extra batteries
• Eye wash solution
• Water

Emergency Warning System

• Nearby neighbors are within hearing distance of Apache’s community-warning siren.
• The siren cycles for a three-minute period and the pitch rises to a high level and then starts back down.
• When the siren sound rises to a high pitch and remains steady for three minutes it indicates “All Clear” and there is no longer an emergency situation.
• The siren is tested every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.

• CAN is an emergency notification telephone service that Apache subscribes to.
• When activated homes on the Apache list are automatically dialed and an emergency message is provided.
• Listen carefully to the message and follow all instructions.
• Pre-recorded messages include:
  • Begin Shelter-in-Place
  • Prepare to Evacuate
  • Advised to Evacuate
  • All Clear

• Local radio stations are likely to broadcast emergency information.
• Local stations include 97.7 FM, 101.7 FM or 1420 AM.

• The LEPC or Cochise County Sheriff’s Department may use a public address system.