Procedures When no Safe Indoor Shelter is Available

  • Avoid:
    • open fields; the highest point in an open area;
    • tall objects (for example, trees, poles);
    • metal objects (for example, football standards, light poles, metal bleachers, fences) and
    • objects that conduct electricity (for example, golf clubs, bicycles).
  • Take shelter in a low-lying area such as ditches, depressions, valleys (be aware of flooding).
  • In a forest, seek shelter in a low-lying area under a thick growth of small trees or bushes.
  • Remove metal objects (that is, anything conductive) and jewellery from body and pockets.
  • Minimize body surface area in contact with the ground. (Do NOT lie flat on the ground.)
  • Assume safest body position: crouch down, place feet close together, with only the balls of feet touching the ground, lower head and wrap arms around knees.
  • In a group in an open area, spread out to be several meters from others.