Ottawa County Residents Encouraged to Participate in ‘Shelter in Place’ Exercise Friday

Ottawa County Emergency Management is asking county residents to participate in what they are calling a "shelter in place for a chemical emergency" exercise this Friday, October 3.

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The exercise will take place at the same time that the final outdoor warning siren test of the year takes place. (Friday at 12 p.m.)

What is the Purpose of a 'Shelter in Place' Exercise?

Officials say that this exercise serves several purposes. First, it serves as a reminder that the warning sirens, while typically only thought about in relation to things like tornadoes, are used as alerts for all hazards.

The exercise will also reinforce the message "if you hear the sirens, go inside and seek more information", the county said in a release.

READ MORE: Stay Safe: Michigan Weather Warning Explained

Officials also say that this will give residents, schools, and local businesses a chance to make a plan and practice how they will shelter in place in the case of a chemical emergency.

Why is Ottawa County Holding a 'Shelter in Place' Exercise?

Why have an exercise specifically tailored to a chemical emergency? There's a good reason. According to the release from Ottawa County Emergency Management,

What to Do During Ottawa County's Shelter in Place Exercise

While participation in the exercise is clearly not required, officials say that folks who do choose to participate should do the following.

• If you are outside, go inside. If you are inside, remain there.
• Close and lock all of your windows and doors.
• Shut down any equipment that pulls in air from the outside (air conditioners, furnaces, etc.)
• Seal gaps around doors and windows (if possible).
• Stay indoors until you receive the "all clear". (In this case, when you feel that you have completed all of the previous steps.)

Organizers say that they will do this exercise annually on the first Friday of October.