In-Place Protection

Move in, Stay in, Tune in

Chemical, biological or radiological contaminants may be released accidentally or intentionally into the environment. Should this occur, you may be asked to observe In-Place Protection (IPP), that is, stay indoors and take precautionary measures to safeguard yourself and your family.

The procedure for In-Place Protection is a simple one to adopt and:

includes the shutting and sealing of windows, doors and other openings to the outside.
aims to minimise the infiltration of harmful, hazardous materials into your home or office.

The quantities of items listed here are for carrying out In-Place Protection measures in a master bedroom with sliding/casement windows.

Essential Items

1 roll of masking tape of at least 48mm
Sufficient black trash bags (cut open to cover all windows, air-conditioners or vents in the selected room)
1 pair of scissors
1 battery-operated AM/FM radio and a fresh supply of batteries

Optional Items

1 torchlight and a fresh supply of batteries
Bottled water (if there is no access to running water in the In-Place Protection room)
Non-perishable food supply (for at least 1 meal)
Mobile phone (if there is no hard-wired telephone in the In-Place Protection room)

You are advised to make use of any items that are easily available in your home (items that are compatible with the essential items listed) for the implementation of the In-Place Protection measures.

How do I go about Observing In-Place Protection?

Instructions to adopt In-Place Protection (IPP) will be given by the authorities through one or a combination of the following means:

Sounding of the “Important Message” signal through the Public Warning System, followed by instructions broadcast through the mass media (e.g. the television or radio).
Door-to-Door notification.

In-Place Protection at Home

Gather family in room with least number of openings
	When instructions are given to adopt In-Place Protection, you should stay calm and immediately gather your family members indoors. Close and lock all doors, windows and openings.

Switch off all ventilation units and air-conditioners
	Switch off all ventilation and air-conditioning units that draw in air from the outside. Go to a room with the least number of openings, preferably with a toilet and water supply.

Seal off any openings
	If adhesive tape is available, use it to seal off any obvious gaps around the windows, doors, vents and other openings. Use wet towels to cover door gaps. If time permits, you may utilise trash bags or plastic sheets to cover any gaps or openings and seal them up. This will increase the air-tightness in the unit and afford better protection for the family. Monitor the television channels and radio for further information or instructions from the authorities. Leave the room only when instructions are given by the authorities to do so. You may proceed to remove all seals and open windows to let fresh air into your home.

In-Place Protection at Work and in School

The In-Place Protection (IPP) procedure for work and school are similar to those for the home. However, because of the complexity of most buildings and the large number of occupants, pre-planning is required to identify the appropriate In-Place Protection room(s) and determine the role and function of each occupant to ensure good co-ordination and quick action.

Seal any obvious gaps with wide adhesive tape and plastic sheets

The critical steps to take are:

Close all windows and doors and turn off machinery and lights to minimise heat generation.
Turn off all air-handling equipment that draws in air from the outside (e.g. Mechanical Ventilation Systems).
Proceed to the pre-determined In-Place Protection room(s).
Direct transient population (non-tenants) to pre-determined In-Place Protection room(s).
Seal off any obvious gaps with wide adhesive tape and plastic sheets.
Tune in to the television or radio for further instructions.
Upon termination of In-Place Protection, open windows and doors and turn on ventilation systems.

In-Place Protection in your Car

If you are very close to your home, office or a public building

Drive there immediately, get inside and follow the In-Place Protection procedure.

If that is not possible:

Close the windows and vents and if possible, seal the air-conditioning vents with tape. Drive away from the affected area.
Cover your nose and mouth with a piece of cloth.
Listen to the radio for updated advice and instructions.

Turn off engine, close windows and seal vents

In-Place Protection if You are on the Streets

Get to the nearest building or look for transport to move away from the affected area.

If you are not able to do so:

Do not walk into the wind.
Cover your nose and mouth with a piece of cloth.

Do not walk into the wind

NOTE:
Remember that instructions to adopt In-Place Protection are usually provided for the duration of a few hours, not days. There is little danger that the room in which you are seeking protection will run out of oxygen. If you are affected by the hazardous release, notify the authorities for immediate medical treatment.

View a short video clip on in-place protection (IPP).

FAQs on In-Place Protection

Find out what are the commonly asked questions on In-Place Protection.