FAIS Network Sites > Office of Emergency Management > Shelter in Place

Shelter in Place

Shelter-in-Place is initiated if it is unsafe to go outdoors but it is safe to remain inside the building. This can include severe weather, hazardous materials releases, or other emergent events where the safest course of action is staying indoors. Emergency management will inform campus personnel to shelter-in-place in the event of extreme weather, natural disasters, or hazardous material releases, whereas lockdown is typically reserved for an active threat.

Protection

  1. Pre-identify interior locations that can be used for sheltering from extreme weather, or natural disasters.
  2. In the event of an airborne hazardous materials release, Emergency Management will work with local Facilities teams to shutdown Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) outdoor air intakes. Please note that HVAC air may still function on recirculation mode; HOWEVER, if you detect, smell or otherwise react to the presence of hazardous materials intruding via the building air system, contact Facilities or call 911.

Mitigation

  1. Install locks or devices on doors that allow the door to be locked from the inside.
  2. Obtain keys to lock exterior doors.
  3. Doors with electronic locks can be locked/unlocked remotely.

Response

  1. Stay away from windows.
  2. Follow directions of campus administration and emergency responders. Depending on the circumstances which caused the shelter-in-place, other actions may be needed to ensure safety of the campus community, for example, in severe weather, you may be directed to seek shelter in an interior room, above the ground floor, with no or few windows.
  3. Do not leave the building unless it becomes unsafe to stay there. Wait in your location until an “All Clear” message has been given by WSU or emergency services personnel.
  4. The duration of a shelter-in-place order depends entirely upon the event, please be patient.

Recovery

  1. Do not exit the building until the “All Clear” has been issued by WSU or emergency services personnel.
  2. Some events can have long-term impacts on individuals. Being able to talk about your experience in a safe, supportive environment may be helpful. If you are interested in confidential counseling and referral services, please peak with your supervisor and/or HRS about the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Student resources are available through the Student Care Network.
Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Student Care Network