In-place sheltering is never an appropriate option in an accident involving hazardous materials? True or False?

False, In-place sheltering can be the safer option in certain circumstances, especially when evacuation could expose people to higher doses of toxic chemicals, highlighting its strategic use during specific hazardous material incidents.

In-place sheltering, as a response strategy in hazardous materials incidents, is an important aspect of the Incident Command System (ICS). The FEMA training material specifically states “Local authorities sometimes choose this option, known as in-place sheltering, when evacuation may expose people to large doses of toxic chemicals.”

From the perspective of emergency responders and hazardous materials specialists, in-place sheltering is a nuanced decision that depends on specific incident characteristics.