Shelter in place means finding a safe location indoors and staying there until you are given an “all clear” or told to evacuate. You may be asked to shelter in place because of a tornado warning; an active attacker or other violent situation occurring nearby; or chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants have been released. This precaution is intended to keep you safe while remaining indoors. The instruction to shelter-in-place means that you should find a safe location indoors and stay there. In other words, if you are outside, find a space indoors and if you are indoors, stay there.
To help prepare for a shelter-in-place order, look around your workspaces and determine where would be a safe place to shelter in each of the different scenarios.
When you might need to shelter-in-place
- during a tornado warning, or other sudden severe weather event.
- in the event of an active attacker or other violent situation.
- when safe evacuation is not possible.
- when chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants are released into the outdoor environment.
Evaluate
The important thing is for you to follow instructions of authorities and know how to safely shelter in place.
In a severe weather event: the rule of thumb is to put as many walls between you and the outdoors as possible and head to the lowest floor possible. The basement is an ideal location, if available.
In case of a chemical threat an above ground location is preferable, as chemicals heavier than air may seep into the basement even with the windows closed.
In an active attacker or other violent situation: determine whether you need to barricade yourself. Know if the door opens outward or inward. Test the lock. Be prepared to enact the principles in the Get Out, Hide and Fight training if it becomes obvious you are in danger due to a violent situation occurring nearby. See the Violent Person on Campus: Know You Can Survive page for more information on what to do in an active attacker situation.
Respond
- Stay calm.
- Proceed to a safe location that can be secured. If necessary, during an imminent threat, move something in front of the door to ensure it cannot be forced open.
- Stop classes or work, or close business operations. If there are students, customers, clients, or visitors in the building, provide for their safety by asking them to stay, not leave. When authorities provide directions to shelter in place, they want everyone to take those steps immediately, where they are, and not drive or walk outdoors.
- During an active attack situation, avoid using the telephone unless you are reporting an emergency, or it is absolutely necessary. Emergency responders and those who need immediate emergency assistance will need all available lines. In other situations, ask students, staff, customers, clients, and visitors to call their emergency contact to let them know where they are and that they are safe. It is important to control the urge to walk around; your movement, regardless of whether you are near the area of concern or not, may frighten or affect other people.
- In response to a chemical spill, close and lock any open windows and exterior doors. If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains and stay away from the windows.
- Wait in the safest location possible until you are given the “all clear”, told to evacuate or provided further instructions.