The Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is conducting a Shelter in Place drill on Wednesday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m. in conjunction with the monthly outdoor emergency siren and MBCAlert test. The purpose of this drill is for everyone in Macon-Bibb County to test his or her shelter in place location.
At 11:00 a.m. on April 26, EMA will send an MBCAlert notification and activate the outdoor emergency sirens. At that point, you and everyone in your home or office should immediately move to your shelter in place location for two minutes.
“We want to make this a community event and encourage everyone to be involved and show that they are ready in case of a disaster,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “While you are in your shelter in place location take a photo of you and everyone else in your shelter in place location. Then post that photo to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, using the hashtag #SiPMaconBibb. From the photos submitted we will select someone and they will have a chance to alarm the emergency sirens.”
If you have not signed up for MBCAlert, you can do so by clicking here and following the simple instructions. This will allow you to be notified, in the future, of dangerous weather.
Planning for a Shelter in Place Location
What does it mean to Shelter in Place?
Shelter-in-place means to take immediate shelter where you are; at home, work, school, or in between. It is important to listen to TV or radio to understand whether the authorities wish you to remain indoors or to take additional steps to protect yourself, your family, or your co-workers.
What is a good Shelter in Place Location in my home?
Choose a room in advance for your shelter. The best room is one with as few windows and doors as possible and in the central portion of your house. A room, preferably with a water supply, is desirable—something like a master bathroom or large closet works well.
What is a good Shelter in Place location in my workplace?
If there are customers, clients, or visitors in the building, provide for their safety by asking them to stay – not leave. When authorities provide directions to shelter-in-place, they want everyone to take those steps immediately. Do not drive or walk outdoors. Select interior room (s) above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents. The room (s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary. Large storage closets, utility rooms, pantries, copy and conference rooms without exterior windows will work well.