Protective actions required in a wildland fire

Shelter-in-place training offered online

Though the so-called rainy season is trying to make its annual appearance in Los Alamos and the southwest, continued dry conditions make the potential for a catastrophic wildland fire great.

If a wildland fire should break out, there are some protective measures Laboratory personnel and Los Alamos residents can take.

If there is a slow moving fire and employees aren't placed into harm's way, Emergency Management and Response (S-8) may call for an evacuation. If an evacuation order is given, employees should calmly proceed to their vehicle and move in an orderly fashion away from the fire as directed by S-8. Do not attempt to "go your own direction" as this could hamper others who are evacuating. Should the town also be evacuated, listen to local radio stations for additional instructions.

If there is a fast moving fire, "shelter-in-place" protective action may be declared. In this case, going outdoors may be too dangerous and leaving the area might take too long or put people in harm's way. In such a case, it may be safer to stay where you are - shelter-in-place- rather than to try to evacuate the area.

Lab workers shouldn't try to leave their area and "make it on your own" as this is a good way to get caught in the middle of the fire. The Los Alamos Fire Department will be aware of the areas where "shelter-in-place" protective actions are in place and will prioritize firefighting to provide fire protection. Don't try to shelter in a vehicle unless there is no other choice. Vehicles are not airtight enough to provide adequate protection from smoke.

Here are some actions to take:

• Act quickly and follow the instructions of S-8 and local emergency coordinators. Every situation can be different, so don't "second guess" what the fire behavior may be; listen to emergency personnel.
• Remain calm and make a shelter out of the place you are in.
• Choose a room with as few windows and doors as possible to shelter-in-place. A large room, preferably with a water supply, is desirable -- a conference room might make a good shelter. If possible, preplan what items may be needed in your shelter, such as water, snacks, portable radio with extra batteries and a first aid kit. Most likely, you will be in the shelter for no more than a few hours.
• If possible, shut and lock all outside doors and windows. Locking them may provide a tighter seal against smoke. Turn off the air conditioner, heater or air intakes and all fans. Close any other place that air can come in from the outside.
• Keep a telephone close at hand, but don't use it unless there is a serious emergency.
• Listen for an announcement indicating that it is safe to leave the shelter. After exiting a shelter, S-8 or the local emergency coordinator may have additional instructions on how to safely leave the area.

For additional instructions on shelter-in-place, go to the S-8 Web page at http://emr.lanl.gov/ online. To take the shelter-in-place training, click here.

Los Alamos County has more information on wildfire, shelter-in-place and evacuation on their Web site at http://www.lac-nm.us online under the link for Emergency Management.

The S-8 Web page also has links to information from the Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/shelterinplace.pdf online and the Federal Emergency Management Agency at http://www.fema.gov/rrr/csepp4.shtm online.

-- Steve Sandoval

Other Headlines