Shelter-in-Place

The term, Shelter-in-Place, means to seek immediate shelter and remain there during an emergency rather than evacuate the area. When given an option it is generally better to evacuate, than Shelter-in-Place. Shelter-in-Place should only be used when an evacuation is not safe or conditions are more dangerous outside.

Blocked Exit or Escape Route:

This could be the result of an immediate fast occurring event such as an explosion, rapidly expanding fire, sudden structural collapse, aircraft or vehicular impact into the building, hazardous substance, or active shooter. If the evacuation routes are blocked or not available, the best course of action will be to shelter in place until emergency crews arrive on scene. The first priority for any arriving emergency personnel is life safety and their first act will be to determine from co-workers, staff, and others if anyone is missing. They will then initiate a search and rescue operation to locate missing or trapped persons. It is imperative that all Department Safety Representatives are informed of missing persons and their possible locations so they can provide this information to arriving emergency personnel.

Greater Outside Threat:

This may occur during a chemical spill causing hazardous materials exposure to anyone unprotected and entering the location of the contaminant. Therefore, it would be safer to remain inside your building. In the event of a critical incident where hazardous materials (including chemical, biological or radiological materials) may have been released into the atmosphere either accidentally or intentionally, a decision to Shelter-in-Place may be the preferred method of safely waiting out the release. The following recommendations should be considered:

• Move to rooms without windows if possible.
• Close any open windows and doors if you cannot move.
• Rooms that have little or no ventilation are preferred.
• Try to block windows and doors with clothing or towels to block airflow. Wet clothing or towels create abetter seal against airflow.
• Only come out when you are told that it is safe by City officials or emergency personnel at the scene.

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