Effectiveness of expedient sheltering in place in a residence

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of expedient sheltering in place in a residence for protection against airborne hazards, as outlined in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance to the public. An improved method was developed to determine the air flow rate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of hazardous materials 2005-03, Vol.119 (1), p.31-40
Main Authors: Jetter, James J., Whitfield, Calvin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air Movements
Applied sciences
Carbon Dioxide - analysis
Chemical engineering
Engineering
Exact sciences and technology
Expedient
Facility Design and Construction
Hazardous Substances
Housing
Humans
Oxygen - analysis
Plastics
Pollution
Protection factor
Residence
Risk Assessment
Safety
Security Measures
Shelter in place
Terrorism
Ventilation
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Summary:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of expedient sheltering in place in a residence for protection against airborne hazards, as outlined in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidance to the public. An improved method was developed to determine the air flow rate for a shelter inside a house. Expedient sheltering measures (plastic sheeting and duct tape) were applied to a room inside a test house by participants who followed the DHS guidance. Measured air flow rates were used to determine protection factors for various scenarios. Protection factors were calculated for the house and shelter under various occupancy times, weather conditions, and outdoor exposure times for hazardous agents. Protection factors ranged from 1.3 to 539, depending on the conditions. Results indicate that proper sealing can make a substantial difference in the effectiveness of the shelter. Sheltering in place can be most beneficial if people enter shelters before the arrival of a cloud of hazardous agent, and people exit shelters as soon as the cloud passes over. However, sheltering in place can be detrimental if people enter or exit shelters too late. CO 2 and O 2 concentrations inside the shelter are not likely to reach dangerous levels under most scenarios, but concentrations could reach dangerous levels under certain conditions, and concentration levels could affect individuals with respiratory problems.
ISSN:0304-3894
1873-3336
DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2004.11.012