Emergency Shelter

• In the event you must shelter in place, identify the best shelter locations in your home (interior rooms with few windows and thick walls, ideally a basement or master bedroom with attached bathroom).
• Avoid rooms with mechanical vents or chimneys if the emergency involves chemicals.
• If you’re in an urban area, consider two safe rooms:
  • one interior room for storms/chemical events
  • one low-visibility room (e.g., basement or back room) for civil unrest scenarios.
• Safety precautions: Take necessary safety precautions, such as closing windows and doors, unplugging electronics, and staying away from windows. See Home Defense

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days.
• Food: Non-perishable items and manual can opener.
• First Aid Kit, Medications, Masks, Gloves.
• Flashlights, batteries, power bank.
• Emergency radio (battery or hand-crank).

If you need to seal your shelter because of chemical or radiation exposure, have these on hand:

• Large plastic sheeting or tarps (at least 2–6 mil thick; clear or opaque)
• Heavy-duty duct tape or painter’s tape (multiple rolls)
  Scissors or utility knife
• Towels or rags for under-door gaps
  Weather stripping or foam tape (optional but helpful for vents or windows)
• Staple gun or thumbtacks (if taping doesn’t adhere well to a surface, put tape over the staple/thumbtack)
• Pre-cut cardboard or plywood (for broken or cracked windows)

Emergency Toilet Setup

• Use a 5-gallon bucket (with a snap-on toilet seat if possible).
• Double line with heavy-duty trash bags.
• Add absorbent material like kitty litter, sawdust, or even shredded newspaper to control odor and moisture.
• Keep extra bags and ties for sealing used waste.

Disinfectant & Cleaning Supplies

• Bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) for cleaning surfaces.
• Disinfectant wipes and gloves.
• Hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or higher).

Personal Hygiene Essentials

• Toilet paper, wet wipes, paper towels.
• Soap and water for handwashing (use stored water if taps are unsafe).
• Consider a portable camp shower or sponge baths using safe water.

Waste Storage

• Seal used bags tightly and store in a separate container with a lid, away from living space.
• Mark as biohazard if possible to alert others later.

Pet Waste Management

• Litter box and extra litter for cats.
• Puppy pads or spare newspapers for dogs.
• Bags for disposal.

• Car: If you are in your vehicle, park it in a safe location, away from potential hazards like flood zones or falling debris. Use blankets, pillows, and other items to create a comfortable and secure space.
• RV or Camper Van: If you have an RV or camper van, it can provide a more comfortable and self-contained shelter. Ensure it is parked in a safe location and has enough supplies to sustain you.

• Tarp Shelter:  Use a plastic tarp  or mylar blanket to create a simple shelter by tying it to trees or other structures. You can add additional layers of blankets or sleeping bags for insulation.
• Debris Shelter: If you have access to materials like wood, branches, or leaves, you can build a more substantial shelter. However, ensure it is stable and provides adequate protection from the elements.
• Dugout Shelter: In some cases, you may be able to dig a shallow pit and cover it with branches and leaves for shelter. However, this is a more labor-intensive option and may not be suitable in all situations.

Remember: When creating a makeshift shelter, prioritize safety and comfort. Ensure the shelter is secure, provides protection from the elements, and has enough space for you and your belongings.