Shelter-In-Place

In the event of an emergency affecting Squamish’s air quality, such as a hazardous materials spill, people in the threatened area may be instructed to Shelter-In-Place.

Shelter in place means “Stay indoors and shut your doors and windows.”

What is "shelter in place"?

Unlike seeking refuge at a Reception Centre away from your home or place of work, which might be required during an evacuation, sheltering in place is a precaution to help keep you safe by remaining indoors.

How will I be notified?

First responders, such as police officers and firefighters, will alert people within the affected area by driving though the neighbourhoods providing instructions over a loud speaker or by going door-to-door. The municipality will post emergency information on squamish.ca and share information through local media.

How do I shelter in place?

Shelter in place at home:

• If instructed by first responders or municipal officials to Shelter-In-Place, close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• Turn off all fans, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems and close any fireplace dampers. Additional protection can be provided for window and door openings by purchasing plastic and sealing with duct tape.
• If possible, take refuge in a small, interior room, with few or no windows.
• Although most Shelter-In-Place orders usually last a few hours, take your family emergency kit into the room with you, so you and your family and pets have a supply of food, bottled water, first aid supplies and medications on hand.
• Have a working radio available, so you can listen to local media to know when it's safe to come out or if you need to evacuate the area.

Shelter in place at work:

• Close the business and ask all staff, customers or visitors to stay inside the building.
• Close and lock all doors, windows and any other openings to the outside.
• Turn off, seal or disable all building mechanical systems, such as fans, heating and air conditioning systems and systems that automatically supply fresh air.
• Avoid rooms with large windows or mechanical equipment like ventilation blowers or pipes, as it might not be possible to seal off this equipment from the outdoors. Listen to local media for further instructions from the municipality.