Shelter-in-Place Procedures
What it means to Shelter-in-Place
Shelter-in-place is an action taken to seek immediate shelter indoors when emergency conditions DO NOT warrant or allow evacuation. These situations may include a security threat, extreme weather or dangerous air quality due to the accidental or intentional release of hazardous materials.
How You Will Know to Shelter-in-Place
A shelter-in-place notification may come from several sources including emergency personnel, SIUE Police, University Housing staff members, other University employees, or other authorities utilizing the University’s e-Lert Emergency Notification system.
Severe Weather
- If you are outside, proceed to the nearest protective building.
- Once inside, proceed to the identified Storm Refuge Area or to the lowest, most interior area of the building, away from windows or hazardous equipment or materials.
- If caught outdoors, shelter in a low-lying area or depression and lay face down, covering your head.
Security Threat (Lockdown)
- If outside during a lockdown emergency, seek cover in the nearest unlocked building.
- If the buildings in the immediate area have locked exterior doors, move away from the danger, seek cover, move to another building, or leave campus if it is safe to do so.
- Assist those who need help, but consider whether you may put yourself at risk.
- Once within a safe place, attempt to secure the space (i.e., lock or barricade doors, close windows/blinds) and stay where you are. Collect any emergency supplies and a telephone/cell phone to be used in case of emergency.
- Remain quiet, unless making noise would benefit your safety. Turn off lights and silence phones.
- DO NOT open the door until a KNOWN law enforcement officer advises it is safe to do so or some other credible information, such as SIUE E-Lert Emergency Notification System, is received advising the threat is over.
