Which structures should be avoided for safety during shelter deployment?

When considering safety during shelter deployment, avoiding structures such as chimneys is crucial because they pose specific hazards. Chimneys can become unstable during adverse weather or seismic events, leading to the risk of falling debris. As fires can also be unpredictable, proximity to a chimney could expose personnel to potentially dangerous conditions, such as embers or smoke.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of selecting a shelter that minimizes the risk of structural failure or hazards from surrounding elements. While commercial buildings, residential homes, and school buildings may also have their own risks, such as varying occupancy levels or safety regulations, chimneys are uniquely associated with the danger of collapse or explosion, making them particularly hazardous in situations requiring shelter deployment.