Protective Actions

In the event of an emergency, you may receive protective action recommendations via the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The Emergency Alert System is a federally established program which consists of television and radio stations that provide emergency instructions to the public during an emergency.

Traditional alerts to the public are broadcast on local radio and television stations and the National Weather Alert System NWAS channel.

Evacuate

Evacuate means to calmly leave a potentially hazardous area to get to a safe area. You may be asked to evacuate for a variety of emergencies like fires, floods, and hazardous materials accidents (including, but not limited to, an accident involving the chemical weapons at the Pueblo Chemical Depot). The time you will need to evacuate depends on the emergency.

  • Do not assume a recommendation to evacuate is not serious. Required or ordered evacuations are rarely done because of the large workforce required to enforce the order. If recommended, please evacuate. If asked to evacuate, do the following:
  • Gather people and pets and leave the area immediately.
  • Take a battery-powered radio with extra batteries.
  • Stay tuned to local radio and television stations for official information.
  • Take your 72-hour emergency supplies kit, if you have one prepared. If not have one prepared, do not take time to make one. Be sure to take all prescription medications.
  • Close and lock your home or business.
  • Do not attempt to pick up children from school or daycare. School officials plan to care for children in emergencies and they may already be evacuated. (Before an emergency occurs, learn about emergency plans at schools or day care centers.)
  • Leave the area in your vehicle. If you are evacuating because of a hazardous materials accident, keep windows and doors closed. Turn off the vehicle's heater, air conditioner, and close all vents.
  • Follow designated evacuation routes or take the most efficient route away from the hazard.
  • Do not return to your home or business until officials say it is safe to do so.

Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-In-Place means to remain inside a home, business, or other permanent building. You may be asked to shelter-in-place for emergencies like tornadoes and hazardous materials accidents (including, but not limited to an accident involving the chemical weapons at the Pueblo Chemical Depot). Shelter-in-place may be recommended when there is not enough time to evacuate. When asked to shelter-in-place, do the following: 

  • If you are outdoors, go inside immediately.
  • Bring pets inside, if possible, but do not risk your safety for your pets.
  • Listen to local radio and television stations for official information.
  • Close all windows, doors and vents.
  • Turn off heaters, air conditioners and exhaust fans.
  • Close as many internal doors as possible and move to the most central, windowless, above-ground room in the building (unless instructed to do otherwise).
  • Wet towels, plastic sheeting or an airtight material can be used to seal gaps where contaminated air could enter the room.
  • Do not attempt to pick up children from school or daycare until directed to do so. School officials plan to care for children in emergencies, and they may already be evacuated or sheltered. (Before an emergency occurs, learn about emergency plans at schools or day care centers.)
  • Stay inside until officials say it is safe to leave.