What is Shelter-in-Place?

During an emergency, an emergency alert might require the public to shelter-in-place—that is, to take refuge indoors. Sheltering-in-place offers immediate protection for a short time in your home or other building. Under many circumstances, sheltering-in-place is the best way to protect yourself from a hazard and is a safer alternative than evacuation.

Why you might need to Shelter-in-Place

Potentially hazardous events that might occur in Miami-Dade County include:

• Hurricanes or tornadoes
• Chemical/hazardous material releases (e.g., industrial accident or act of terrorism)
• Wildfires
• Radiation releases (e.g., from a nuclear power plant incident or act of terrorism)

How you would know to Shelter-in-Place

Miami-Dade County officials would issue an emergency alert on radio or TV that instructs the public to shelter-in-place.

Listen to the radio or TV for updates because changing conditions could alter recommendations.

During an emergency, Emergency Alert System messages will announce what protective measures are most appropriate.