Incident Response | EMBCP

5.2.7 Shelter-in-Place

There are a number of emergency situations where an evacuation of a building and/or classroom is not advisable – tornadoes, hostile intruder, hazardous release outside, terrorist attack, etc. Standard Operating Procedures for each building on campus have been developed. Please refer to the Shelter in Place document found on Blackboard under the Employee Resources/Work Life tab in the Safety Section.

What it Means to “Shelter-in-Place”

If an incident occurs and you are told to “shelter-in-place,” it means finding a safe location indoors and staying there until you are given an “all clear” or told to evacuate by authorities. Thus, to “shelter-in-place” means to make a shelter of the building that you are in, and with a few adjustments this location can be made even safer and more comfortable until it is safe to go outside.

Communications

• A “Shelter-in-Place” will be announced via BlackboardConnect.
• If a situation that may require a Shelter-in-Place is discovered, the individual making the discovery shall immediately contact Security, who will advise the Incident Commander and provide as much information as possible.
• Fire evacuation alarms are not to be sounded.

Procedures

• Lock classroom and other doors.
• Close windows & window treatments.
• Turn off lights.
• Everyone is to remain quiet and not enter hallways.
• Should the fire alarm sound, do not evacuate the building unless:
  • You have firsthand knowledge that there is a fire in the building, or
  • You have been advised by Police/Security to evacuate the building.
• Crouch down in areas that are out of sight from doors and windows.
• Students in hallways are to seek shelter in the nearest classroom.
• Students in outdoor areas should immediately take cover.