Expedient Sheltering in Place: An Evaluation for the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Abstract
This study examines the protective capacity of sheltering in place, a means of protecting the public if an accidental release of hazardous chemicals occurs. The report consists of two parts. The first is a review of the literature regarding the theory, practical parameters, and procedures for sheltering in place, including an analysis of sheltering instructions published by 11 organizations/communities. The second part presents results of tracer-gas experiments conducted on 12 buildings to determine the effect of expedient sealing measures upon the protection that can be provided by sheltering in place. Results of the experiments show that expedient sealing measures applied to a selected safe room substantially reduce air exchange rates. In using a bathroom with window as a safe room, placing a rolled wet towel at the base of the door and taping vents produced a 16.5% mean reduction in air exchange rate. Applied to a windowless bathroom or walk-in closet, this measures yielded a mean reduction of 30 to 32%. When tape was placed around the door and a sheet of plastic was taped over the window of a bathroom, the mean reduction was 34.3%.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA370441
Entities
People
- Brenda D. Cannon
- David P. Fatkin
- Dennis W. Reeves
- Victor J. Arca
- William K. Blewett
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center