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Shelter in Place

During an emergency, the City of Jacksonville may issue an emergency alert requiring the public to shelter in place by taking refuge indoors. 

Sheltering in place offers immediate protection for a short time in your home or other building. It is the best way to protect yourself from hazards and is a safer alternative than evacuating.

Hazards That May Require You To Shelter In Place
  • Severe weather, such as hurricanes or tornadoes
  • Violent criminal activity in the area or active shooter situations
  • Chemical or hazardous materials releases
What You Should Do If You Are Asked To Shelter In Place
  • Bring children and pets inside and lock all doors and windows.
  • ​Turn off the lights and stay away from doors and windows.
  • Stay in an interior room where you cannot be seen, remain quiet, and wait for all clear instructions.
  • Call 911 to report any suspicious behavior or activity that occurs around your home.
In some types of emergencies, you will need to stop outside air from coming in. If officials tell you to “seal the room,” you need to:
  • Turn off things that move air, like fans and air conditioners.
  • Get yourself and your loved ones inside the room.
  • Bring your emergency supplies if they are clean and easy to get to.
  • Block air from entering the room.
  • Listen to officials for further instructions.
Business Procedures For Sheltering In Place
Businesses are strongly encouraged to develop a lockdown plan to ensure the safety of employees and others during hazardous situations. Your business lockdown plan should include:
  • Move anyone outside indoors immediately.
  • Move all personnel away from doors and windows and into an interior space
  • For multistory buildings, moving personnel to upper floors.
  • Seek shelter in rooms where the door can be locked or quickly barricaded.
  • Hide somewhere where you cannot be seen, remain quiet, and wait for all-clear or evacuation instructions.
  • Call or text 911 to report any suspicious behavior or activity that occurs in or around your business.
 Register for ALERTJAX notifications so you can be informed as soon as a potentially dangerous situation occurs.