In some emergencies, leaving your home may be more dangerous than staying inside. Shelter-in-place instructions are typically given during:
- Severe storms or flooding (where driving through fast-moving water is unsafe)
- Hazardous materials incidents
- Other environmental threats where exposure outdoors is more dangerous
Only shelter in place if you are specifically advised to do so. If you are told to evacuate instead, do so immediately. Hesitation can put you at risk.
For Weather-Related Incidents
- Stay indoors until the storm or hazard passes.
- If your building becomes unsafe, leave cautiously and avoid crossing fast-moving water.
For Hazardous Materials or Environmental Incidents
- Close all windows and vents immediately.
- Turn off air conditioning units.
- Choose an interior room with few windows and doors (a master bedroom with a connected bathroom is ideal).
- Remain indoors until officials say it is safe to leave.
- As an extra precaution, seal doors, windows, and vents with duct tape or plastic sheeting.
Stay Informed
Sign up for Alert Burbank (opens in a new window), the City’s emergency notification system. You’ll get urgent updates about wildfires, severe weather, hazardous materials, missing persons, evacuations, and more. Alerts can be sent directly to your phone, email, or text – you decide how you want to be reached.
