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Emergency Preparedness Plan: Shelter In Place
What Does Shelter-in-Place Mean?
During an emergency, one of the instructions you may be given is to shelter-in-place (S.I.P.). This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining indoors (not the same as sheltering for a storm). Shelter-in-place means selecting a small, interior room, with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. It does not mean sealing off your entire home or office building. If you are told to shelter-in-place, follow the instructions provided in this Fact Sheet.
Why You Might Need to Shelter-in-Place?
Chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants may be released accidentally or intentionally into the environment, or an armed intruder may be on campus. The important thing is for you to follow instructions and know what to do if you are advised to Shelter-in-Place.
Normally evacuation is the most common protective action taken when an airborne hazard, such as smoke or noxious odor, is found in a building. In most cases, existing plans for fire evacuation are applicable for evacuation in response to an internal hazardous materials release.
Building evacuation may not be the best course of action for an external hazardous materials release, particularly one that is widespread such as a tanker car chemical explosion. If the area is enveloped by a plume of hazardous material or is too large to exit rapidly, individuals should “Shelter in Place.” The advantage of sheltering in place is that it can be implemented more rapidly than evacuation.
In the event of an actual emergency, the directive to “Shelter in Place” the university’s main webpage, (www.drexel.edu) will provide up to date information. Other instruments of communication will include but are not limited to: text messaging, local radio/TV stations, email, voicemail, alarm systems, word of mouth, telephone, electronic communications, and through the use of bullhorn or speaker systems by the Drexel University’s Department of Public Safety and other emergency responders.
“Shelter in Place” requires two distinct actions to be taken immediately to maximize the passive protection a building can provide:
FIRST ACTION is the reduction of the air exchange rate of the building before the hazardous plume arrives by closing all windows and doors and moving to the interior of the building.
SECOND ACTION will occur ONLY when the all clear signal is given. The air exchange rate will be increased as soon as the hazardous plume has passed, by opening all windows and doors and enabling the HVAC system.
ON CAMPUS:
• DON’T PANIC.
• Go inside or stay inside the building.
• Do not use elevators.
• Shut and lock all windows and doors.
• Turn off the heat, air conditioning, or ventilation system, if you have local
controls for these systems.
• Close and cover all air vents.
• Quickly locate supplies you may need (food, water, radio, etc.)
• If possible, go to a room or corridor where there are no windows. In the
event of a chemical release, go to an above-ground level of the building,
since some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements
even if the windows are closed.
• If possible, monitor the universities web page (www.drexel.edu), radio, or
television for further information and instructions.
• Do not call the Department of Public Safety unless you are reporting a life-
threatening situation.
• When the "all clear" is announced:
• Open windows and doors.
• Turn on ventilation system.
• Go outside and wait until the building has been vented
• Turn on heating, air conditioning, or ventilation system.
• Go outside and wait until the building has been vented.
The level of protection that can be achieved by sheltering in place is substantial versus direct exposure. Turn on a radio or television, if available, to stay informed of developments. If eyes, nose or throat become irritated, protect your breathing by covering your mouth & nose with a damp cloth and take shallow breaths. Stay calm!
Do not leave your safe zone or area until you receive official notification that danger has passed.