Emergency Planning and Procedures

Guidelines

Surroundings

Identify fixed and mobile sources of hazardous materials in your area, and learn about local warning sirens from your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) or Muskegon County Emergency Management. Choose a windowless room in your home for shelter that has a phone, reserving it for emergency calls only. Ensure all family members are aware of what to do in a chemical emergency, regardless of their location.

Build a Kit

Assemble a “Shelter in Place” kit for local emergencies, ideally under $50. Include the following items:

  • Battery-operated radio with extra batteries, tuned to the local Emergency Alert Station (EAS)
  • Bottled water and snack food
  • Duct tape
  • Bath towels to seal doorways (dampen first)
  • Plastic sheeting, precut for windows
  • Visit ready.gov for more information

Check the kit every six months to ensure supplies are fresh and complete.

Warning Systems

Muskegon Central Dispatch and/or Emergency Management will activate Local Warning systems (Ipaws).

Shelter-In-Place

Shelter in Place can be done at home, school, and work.

  • Call 911 for emergencies ONLY. For non-emergency issues call (231) 722-3524.
  • Store water in closed containers for drinking and cooking.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors, including fireplace dampers.
  • Select an interior room for shelter and seal it with duct tape or plastic.
  • Limit outdoor time; cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth. Leave outer clothing outside when re-entering, and wash hands and face.
  • Children in affected schools will be sheltered; parents should not pick them up unless instructed.
  • Bring everyone, including pets, inside and stay sheltered until authorities declare it safe.
  • Listen to radio or television for instructions.
  • Turn off air conditioning, fans, and ventilation systems.
  • Seal bathroom exhaust fans, range vents, and other outside openings.
  • Seal door bottoms with a wet towel.

What to do During a Chemical Emergency

If an emergency occurs go inside, turn on the radio or television and listen for instructions.

Follow Shelter In Place Instructions

  • Close fireplace dampers.
  • Close windows and doors.
  • Gather flashlight, food, water, medicines, duct tape, towels, plastic sheeting, battery operated radio, and cordless telephone, if available.
  • Go inside immediately.
  • Go to an inside area or room and seal cracks and openings (using duct tape and plastic.)
  • If children are at school they will be protected. Do not travel to the school for them.
  • If you smell a chemical or anything unusual, dampen a towel and breathe through it.
  • Stay inside your home or building.
  • Stay still and quiet to minimize air use.
  • Stay tuned to a radio or TV station for further instructions, or for the "All Clear" to be issued.
  • Turn off air conditioners and heating system blowers.

All Clear

After the All Clear has been sounded:
Open Doors and Windows and air out the house. If you are away from home, go to a shopping center or public building for shelter and wait for instructions for shelter or evacuation.

Warnings

Warnings / Emergency Action instructions will be Issued by Central Police Dispatch,
at the Direction of the Incident Commander:

  • Central Police Dispatch will activate the Warning Systems
  • Emergency Alert System EAS [Public Radio Warning System]
  • First Call Telephone Warning System
  • NOAA Weather Radio Warning System
  • Television Cable Override Warning System