Accession Number:

ADA370441

Title:

Expedient Sheltering in Place: An Evaluation for the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. May-Nov 95

Corporate Author:

EDGEWOOD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDMD

Personal Author(s):

• Blewett, William K.
• Reeves, Dennis W.
• Arca, Victor J.
• Fatkin, David P.
• Cannon, Brenda D.

Report Date:

1996-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

120.0

Abstract:

This study examines the protective capacity of sheltering in place, a means of protecting the public if an accidental release of hazardous chemicals occurs. The report consists of two parts. The first is a review of the literature regarding the theory, practical parameters, and procedures for sheltering in place, including an analysis of sheltering instructions published by 11 organizationscommunities. The second part presents results of tracer-gas experiments conducted on 12 buildings to determine the effect of expedient sealing measures upon the protection that can be provided by sheltering in place. Results of the experiments show that expedient sealing measures applied to a selected safe room substantially reduce air exchange rates. In using a bathroom with window as a safe room, placing a rolled wet towel at the base of the door and taping vents produced a 16.5 mean reduction in air exchange rate. Applied to a windowless bathroom or walk-in closet, this measures yielded a mean reduction of 30 to 32. When tape was placed around the door and a sheet of plastic was taped over the window of a bathroom, the mean reduction was 34.3.

Descriptors:

• *EMERGENCIES
• *CHEMICAL ORDNANCE
• *STOCKPILES
• MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND CONTROL
• SHELTERS
• SAFETY
• HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
• VENTS
• ACCIDENTS

Subject Categories:

• Chemical, Biological and Radiological Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE