Which protective action must be taken during shelter in place protection?

Which protective action must be taken during shelter in place protection?

• A. Close all windows
• B. Establish a water curtain
• C. Use positive pressure to protect the structure
• D. Ensure heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system remains operating

Answer: (A)

In shelter-in-place protection, the main goal is to keep outdoor contaminants from entering the building. The most important action to achieve this is to close all windows, which greatly reduces the main pathway for outside air to mix with indoor air. Once windows are shut, keep doors closed and seal gaps if possible to further limit air leaks. Avoid actions that could pull in outdoor air or spread contaminants, such as trying to establish a water curtain or using positive pressure, which can drive air from the outside into the space. The HVAC system can also circulate or introduce outdoor air, so if possible set it to recirculation or turn it off to minimize exposure. In short, sealing openings by closing windows is the essential step to protect occupants during shelter-in-place.

In shelter-in-place protection, the main goal is to keep outdoor contaminants from entering the building. The most important action to achieve this is to close all windows, which greatly reduces the main pathway for outside air to mix with indoor air. Once windows are shut, keep doors closed and seal gaps if possible to further limit air leaks. Avoid actions that could pull in outdoor air or spread contaminants, such as trying to establish a water curtain or using positive pressure, which can drive air from the outside into the space. The HVAC system can also circulate or introduce outdoor air, so if possible set it to recirculation or turn it off to minimize exposure. In short, sealing openings by closing windows is the essential step to protect occupants during shelter-in-place.