Sometimes, the air outside can become unsafe to breathe. This is called a hazardous air quality emergency. It can happen because of smoke from wildfires, pollution, or other harmful chemicals in the air.
Breathing bad air can make people feel sick. It is especially dangerous for children, older adults, and people with asthma or heart problems. That’s why it’s important to know when the air is unsafe.
On days with bad air, you may need to stay indoors, keep your windows closed, or wear a mask outside. Staying informed can help you and your family stay healthy.
Know when hazardous air quality might be affecting your area:
Air Quality Data
For some types of emergencies, if you are already in a secure location, then staying where you are may be the safest immediate response.
Some things to remember for sheltering in place:
- Use common sense to assess the situation and if you are in immediate danger where you are.
- Connect to reliable sources of information, including local and state authorities
- Know that information from authorities and what to do may not be immediately available
- When it is available, follow current and evolving instructions for sheltering in place
Some tips to prepare your home for sheltering in place
During large disasters, temporary community shelters may be established either by local authorities, the Red Cross, or other relevant agencies.
Search for open shelters by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362. Example: Shelter 01234 (standard rates apply).
See more information:
For local authorities, follow reliable local news and consider downloading a local Preparedness App for direct information updates:
Community shelters are likely to provide food, water, and basic sanitary services. Sometimes basic medical care will also be available. However, if planned for ahead of time and available, you should consider bringing the following items:
- Any medicines you need to take
- Information such as lists of medications or anything else you might keep in a Personal Preparedness File
- Any assistive devices you regularly use such as wheelchair, canes, eye glass, or CPAP machine for sleep apnea
- Any comfort items that might help you feel more at ease in a potentially confined space with many people including headphones, book, or sleeping mask
- Charging cords or any battery packs for cellphones or other important electronic devices
- Personal hygiene items that you may want to use
- Sanitation items including disinfecting wipes and potentially face mask should you either choose or be asked to wear one
Other things to know:
- Although community shelters will accept service animals, most will not allow pets inside unless explicitly stated
- Know a safe place to bring pets before a disaster or emergency happens. See more: Pet Preparedness
There may be situations where you feel most comfortable or are directly advised by authorities to leave a specific area of danger. It is good to plan ahead for this possibility with evacuation planning.
Ready.Gov - Useful Tips for Evacuation Guidelines
Start planning today. Disasters can happen at any time, and your family might not be together when they do. That’s why it’s important to know what kinds of emergencies could happen where you live. Make a plan for how you’ll stay in touch and find each other if you get separated. Choose a meeting place that is easy for everyone to find and remember.
Ready.Gov - Make a Plan