In the South, shelter-in-place orders can pop up with almost no warning. Hurricanes, chemical spills, and severe storms can make it too risky to leave home for days at a time.
If you’re ready with the right supplies, a safe home setup, and a clear plan, those days get a whole lot less stressful.
Multi-day sheltering isn’t like waiting out a quick thunderstorm. You’ll need enough food, water, and essentials to get by without heading out.
You also have to figure out how to keep your home secure, stay in touch with the outside world, and look after everyone—pets and folks with special needs included.
With solid prep, families can stay safe, comfortable, and in the loop until things settle down. Here’s a guide to what a shelter-in-place order actually means, how to build a real emergency kit, and how to protect both your safety and sanity during long stretches indoors.
Understanding Shelter-in-Place Orders
Authorities issue shelter-in-place orders when they need people to stay inside to avoid a specific threat. The details can change depending on what’s happening and where, but usually, there are instructions about securing your space and limiting movement until it’s safe again.
What Shelter-in-Place Means
A shelter-in-place order tells you to stay inside a building or other safe spot until officials give the all-clear.
This could be your house, work, school, or wherever you happen to be. The main idea is to avoid dangerous stuff outside, like bad air, flying debris, or even violence.
Instead of evacuating, you just stay put. Usually, you’ll need to seal up doors and windows, shut off ventilation, and avoid coming or going.
Officials send out these orders through emergency alerts, TV, radio, or social media. They expect people to follow directions closely, since the advice is based on what’s actually happening.
Common Triggers in the South
Down South, shelter-in-place orders mostly happen because of severe weather or industrial accidents.
Some common triggers:
- Hurricanes and tropical storms, which bring high winds, flooding, and flying debris
- Tornado outbreaks that form fast, leaving almost no time to get away
- Chemical releases from plants, refineries, or accidents on the road
- Extreme heat events, when it’s just too dangerous to be outside for long
Some rural spots also get wildfires, which might mean sheltering for a bit to avoid smoke. Coastal and low-lying areas can get trapped by floodwaters, so staying put is safest.
Duration and Expectations
How long you’ll need to shelter depends on the threat and how fast things get better.
Short events—like tornado warnings or chemical spills—might last just a few hours. Big storms, especially hurricanes, can keep you indoors for a couple of days until the weather calms down.
Major emergencies or big infrastructure problems sometimes stretch orders out for weeks. In those cases, you’ll have to rely on what you’ve stored at home.
During a shelter-in-place, expect little or no access to the outdoors, travel restrictions, and maybe even utility outages. Staying in touch with local authorities is key for knowing when you can get back to normal.
Building a Comprehensive Emergency Kit
A solid emergency kit lets you stay safe and meet basic needs without leaving your home. You’ll want enough food, water, medical stuff, lights, communication gear, and sanitation supplies for everyone—including pets.
Essential Food and Water Supplies
Water comes first. You’ll want at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene.
Three days is the minimum, but honestly, more is better in case you’re stuck longer. Don’t forget extra water for pets.
Pick non-perishable foods that don’t need much or any cooking. Some good choices:
- Canned meats, beans, veggies, and fruit
- Peanut butter and shelf-stable milk
- Ready-to-eat soups and pasta
- Granola bars and crackers
You’ll need a manual can opener and some utensils. Store everything in a cool, dry spot and check expiration dates a couple of times a year.
First Aid and Medications
A basic first aid kit should cover minor injuries. Make sure you have:
- Adhesive bandages in different sizes
- Sterile gauze and medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Tweezers and scissors
Keep at least a 7-day supply of prescription meds for each person. Store them in their original containers with the labels.
Add over-the-counter painkillers, allergy meds, and anything else you need, like inhalers or insulin.
If someone uses medical equipment like oxygen or mobility aids, stash backups or extra batteries. Having a printed health record for each person can help if you ever have to leave in a hurry.
Lighting and Communication Tools
Power outages happen a lot during storms. Make sure you have at least one flashlight per person with extra batteries.
LED flashlights last longer and save power. A headlamp is nice for hands-free tasks.
A battery-powered or hand-crank AM/FM radio can keep you updated if the internet or cell service goes down. Keep spare batteries or a solar charger handy.
Charge up a power bank for your phone. A whistle is useful for signaling if you’re trapped or can’t call for help.
Personal Hygiene and Sanitation
Good hygiene matters, especially if you’re stuck inside for a while. Pack these items:
- Hand sanitizer and soap
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toilet paper and moist wipes
For waste, keep heavy-duty trash bags, plastic sheeting, and duct tape. A bucket with a lid can work as a makeshift toilet.
If you have room, add extra clothes, towels, and gloves. For pets, bring waste bags and litter. Store all sanitation stuff in a waterproof bin to keep it clean.
Preparing for Family and Special Needs
Families might need extra supplies and a plan to keep everyone safe and comfortable. That means age-appropriate food, medical items, and ways to help kids, pets, or people with health needs manage stress.
Children’s Supplies and Activities
Kids need enough food, formula, and snacks to last a few days. Parents should pack diapers, wipes, and extra clothes in sealed bags to keep them dry.
Comfort items—blankets, stuffed animals, or favorite toys—can really help with anxiety. Quiet activities like coloring books, puzzles, or cards keep kids busy.
If you can, give each child their own bin of supplies. That way, things stay organized and there’s less sharing. For babies, make sure you have a safe place for them to sleep, like a portable crib.
Pet Care During Shelter-in-Place
Pets need food, treats, and plenty of water for the whole time you’re sheltering. Keep three to five days of pet food in airtight containers, plus bowls.
Litter, waste bags, or puppy pads are a must if it’s not safe to take pets outside. Store pet meds with your own medical supplies and check expiration dates.
Loud storms or being stuck inside can stress animals out. Familiar bedding, toys, and a quiet spot in the house help pets feel safe. If you have more than one pet, think about ways to separate them if they get anxious.
Medical and Accessibility Considerations
People with chronic health issues or disabilities may need special medical supplies, mobility aids, or adaptive gear. Keep these in an easy-to-reach spot and check them regularly.
Keep prescription meds in their original bottles with clear labels. If you need to keep anything cold, a small cooler with ice packs can help during outages.
For anyone with mobility challenges, make sure important rooms stay free of clutter. Back up batteries, manual versions of powered devices, and a written care plan help caregivers respond quickly if something stops working.
If someone needs help communicating, keep printed instructions, contact lists, and any assistive devices close by.
Securing and Maintaining Your Home
A multi-day shelter-in-place order in the South usually means dealing with rough weather, heat, and maybe utility problems. Keeping your home safe, powered, and organized makes things a lot easier during long stretches indoors.
Home Safety and Security Measures
Lock and reinforce doors and windows. Use storm shutters or plywood to protect glass from flying debris.
Bring in or secure anything outside—patio furniture, grills, tools—to prevent damage.
If flooding is a risk, use sandbags or water barriers at doors. Move electronics and valuables off the floor in low areas.
Check that smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers work. Test everything before the storm hits.
If you lose power, battery-powered motion lights and working exterior lights can help with security.
Power and Utility Outages
Long outages are common during big storms and heat waves. A whole house generator or portable generator can keep essentials running, but always set it up safely. Never use generators indoors or in closed spaces.
Store extra fuel in proper containers, away from living spaces, and follow local guidelines.
If you don’t have a generator, keep battery-powered fans, flashlights, and lanterns ready. Store extra batteries where you can get to them easily.
Unplug sensitive electronics during storms to avoid surge damage.
If water might get cut off, store several gallons per person per day. If you use a well, a generator might be needed to run the pump.
Document and Valuables Protection
Put important papers—ID, insurance, medical info—in a waterproof, fire-resistant box.
Save digital copies to an encrypted USB drive or secure cloud storage. Label everything and keep it handy.
Keep some cash in small bills in case card readers don’t work.
Lock up valuables like jewelry or firearms in a safe.
If you need to leave quickly, having these things together means you can grab them fast.
Staying Informed and Connected
Getting accurate info and staying in touch matter a lot when you’re stuck inside for days. You need updates from reliable sources, ways to check on family or neighbors, and charged devices if the power goes out.
Monitoring Local Alerts
In the South, severe weather, chemical spills, and floods can develop fast. Staying on top of official updates helps you make better choices.
A NOAA Weather Radio with backup batteries is super reliable—even if your cell service drops. Local emergency agencies also send alerts by text, phone, or special apps.
Make sure you:
- Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone
- Follow local TV and radio stations
- Sign up for city or county alert systems
Test your devices before storms to be sure they work. Keep spare batteries dry and handy. If you can get online, double-check info with trusted sources before acting.
Communication Plans with Loved Ones
When you’re sheltering for days, staying in touch with family and friends helps ease worry. Everyone in your house should know how to reach each other if phones are overloaded.
A simple plan:
- Pick a main contact outside the danger zone
- Set times to check in
- Have a backup, like walkie-talkies
Write down contact info in case devices fail. Let trusted people know where you’re sheltering and how long you expect to stay. That way, they can check in if they can’t reach you.
Talk as a household about how to update each other if things change. Keeping messages short during emergencies can help networks stay open.
Backup Power and Charging Options
Extended sheltering usually brings power outages. When the electricity goes out, phones, radios, and medical devices can suddenly stop working. You need backup power to keep your essential equipment running.
Here are some options:
| Backup Source | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portable power banks | Phones, small devices | Charge in advance |
| Solar chargers | Daytime recharging | Slower in cloudy weather |
| Small generators | Multiple devices, appliances | Use outdoors only for safety |
Keep cords, adapters, and extra batteries right in your shelter kit. Charge all your devices before severe weather hits, so you get the most battery life when it matters.
Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Long shelter-in-place periods can really mess with your routine. Stress piles up, and you might feel cut off from everyone. Staying steady takes effort, but some habits help lower anxiety, keep you busy, and protect those social connections we all need.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
Uncertainty tends to make stress spike. Try not to check the news all day—constant updates just make things worse. It’s better to look at reliable sources at set times, so you stay informed without getting overwhelmed.
A routine can help you feel like you’re in control. Set regular times for meals, exercise, and rest. Even light stretching or a few minutes of deep breathing can loosen up tense muscles and clear your head.
Jotting down your thoughts in a daily journal can help you sort things out. Write about your worries, but also notice the small good things that happen. That shift in focus can make a surprising difference. If anxiety gets too heavy, reach out to a licensed counselor or call a mental health helpline.
Entertainment and Activities
Boredom really cranks up stress when you’re stuck inside. Planning out a mix of activities ahead of time gives you options when cabin fever creeps in.
Try some of these indoor ideas:
- Read a book or listen to an audiobook
- Tackle a puzzle or play a board game
- Cook or bake something new
- Practice a hobby like drawing, knitting, or playing music
If you have internet, you can stream educational shows or sign up for an online class. Got kids? Swapping out toys and games keeps things fresh.
Don’t forget to move around. Even in a tiny space, a short workout or some gentle yoga can boost your mood and energy.
Community Support Resources
Even if you’re stuck at home, you can still keep in touch with people. Phone calls, texting, and video chats really do help you feel less alone.
Local governments, faith groups, and nonprofits usually run virtual support groups or check-in programs. These can make a big difference, especially if you live by yourself or have health issues.
It’s a good idea to keep a simple contact list with names, phone numbers, and email addresses. That way, you can reach out quickly if you need help.
Some neighborhoods use apps or even radio channels to share updates, ask for help, or offer resources.
When you stay connected to a support network, it brings comfort and real, practical help during those long shelter-in-place stretches.