Shelter-in-Place

Description: 

Shelter in place may be ordered when conditions outside of the building are hazardous and it is safer to stay inside. Employees may be asked to Shelter-in-Place for many reasons. For example:

• Atmospheric release of materials (including smoke and other hazardous materials) considered dangerous to public health, where evacuation is NOT a viable option.

• Situations where staff and visitors would be safer inside rather than outside a building such as tornado and severe weather events.

• Potential threats that may be near your location (i.e., active shooter or other police activity).

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Emergency Response Team/Leadership

  • Alert staff and visitors to the shelter-in-place situation.

  • Update staff and visitors as conditions change.

  • Direct closure of windows, doors and HVAC system if conditions warrant these actions.

• Staff

  • LISTEN: To Emergency Alert System (EAS), local Emergency Reverse Notification Systems, and/or NOAA Radio alerts will explain the situation and direct staff and visitors to appropriate actions.

  • SHELTER: Go inside to the designated shelter area, the nearest building or office. An inside room (minimum doors and windows) is best. Locate your emergency supplies.

  • SHUT: Close all doors, windows and accessible vents. In some situations it may be prudent to lock all doors (i.e., active shooter or other physical threat) and silence electronic devices.

  • MONITOR: Email, voice mail, local news stations, mobile weather apps and www.coemergency.com

NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration)

• NOAA Weather alerts can be heard if you have access to a NOAA radio.

• Emergency Alert System notifications will be broadcast through a variety of media outlets and radio stations.