Evaluation of Shelter-in-Place (SIP) Initiation Strategies for a Release of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear (CBRN) Agent or Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs)

The goal of a Shelter-In-Place (SIP) strategy is to reduce human exposure(s) to intentional and accidental releases of chemical, biological, radiological, and/or nuclear(CBRN) agents and toxic industrial chemicals (TIC). Should such an event occur, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends expedient SIP when evacuation is not immediately possible. (DHS, 2008) Expedient SIP is the process used to seal a selected room to create a temporary barrier between individuals and the contaminated air. The recommended process involves using plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal windows, doors, and air vents to reduce air infiltration into the room. Additionally, SIP strategy also involves turning off fans of forced air type heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems within a sheltered facility. The latter aspect is the focus of this study