On March 30, the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) hosted the first county-wide Shelter in Place drill to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for severe weather. Departments and the public were asked, once the tornado siren sounded for its monthly test, to practice Shelter in Place procedures by finding an interior room free of windows where they would be safer in event of severe weather.

To get people involved with the drill and see how other people participated, EMA asked people to take selfies of their families, friends, and coworkers in the designated shelter location and post it to social media using the hashtag #SIPMaconBibb. People posting had a chance to sound the emergency sirens during a monthly test or one of several emergency preparedness prizes. This year’s winners included:

William Martin, Grand Prize
Sound the emergency sirens during monthly test

Macon Transit Authority, First Place Prize
Disaster kit

Justin Crum, Second Place Prize
Weather radio

To help prepare for severe weather, talk with family members and people in the office about a Shelter in Place location. The best room in a home 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.

For an office or other workplace, 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. In the event of a real emergency, provide for client, customer, and visitor 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.