An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Sept. 20, 2017

National Preparedness Month: Sheltering on base

By DLA Troop Support Public Affairs DLA Troop Support Public Affairs

Natural and man-made disasters do not discriminate. And seeking refuge from a base emergency is a real possibility for Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support employees.

For those stationed at the Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, emergency management officer Sam Phillips outlined the base’s “top five” hazards: severe winter weather, an act of terrorism, hazardous material from off base, an active shooter and fire damage.

“Because our most likely hazards include transportation or industrial accidents, terrorism and severe weather, we must be ready to protect ourselves from the dangers presented,” Phillips said. 

There are three types of sheltering techniques to protect employees against these dangers:

  • Shelter-in-place: Taking refuge in a smaller, interior room, with no or few windows to protect against biological, chemical or radiological threats.
  • Security lockdown: Going or remaining indoors and securing a building to keep out or isolate those who could cause harm.
  • Shelter from severe weather: Going indoors, moving to a sturdy room in the interior section of the building, and monitoring the emergency alert system and wide area alert network.

Things to remember when sheltering on base:

  • Stick with the plan. Sheltering procedures are for your and your co-workers’ safety.
  • The official sources of information are: 1. WAAN 2. NSA Security 3. City of Philadelphia Fire and Police.
  • Shelter-in-place and security lockdown may last a few hours.
  • Anticipate stressed-out people during sheltering. Counter anxiety by being productive, positive and as well-informed as possible.
  • The Child Development Center has sheltering procedures to keep children safe.  Employees should not try to get their child until there is an “all clear” message from an official source.

For more information, visit www.ready.gov or www.ready.navy.mil.

Learn more about home emergency preparedness

A representative from Philadelphia’s Emergency Management Office will discuss emergency preparedness at-home Sept. 26 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at NSA Philadelphia in the Building 1 cafeteria (right side).