Shelter in Place

Shelter in place refers to a designated area of safety when it is not safe to go outside. Use a small, interior room if possible, with as few windows as possible, and take refuge.

Shelter in place may be necessary for severe weather, contamination or a shooter on campus. Use your common sense when determining whether to stay put. If there is contamination or a fire within the building, leave.

In case of fire:

• If trapped, close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
• Seal cracks around doors with material that will block smoke. Call 911 on a campus phone or 336.758.5911 on a cell phone and report your exact location.
• Be prepared to signal from windows but do not break the glass unless absolutely necessary. Smoke from outside the building could be drawn in. If necessary, open a window a few inches to get fresh air.
• Hang a brightly colored cloth or bed sheet out the window to draw attention to your location. If you have a flashlight, use it to signal at night.

Severe weather:

• Choose a location with as few windows as possible.
• Try to locate to the lowest level of the building.
• Keep a radio or television on to listen for news updates.

Chemical contamination:

• Select an interior space above the ground floor with the fewest windows or vents. The room should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit. Use more rooms to avoid overcrowding.
• Seal cracks around the door with material that will block air flow.
• Shut off ventilation systems and fans.
• Keep a radio or television on to listen for news updates.

Active shooter or armed intruder:

• Close and lock exterior doors, and turn off lights. Be quiet.
• If your room cannot be locked, determine if there is a nearby location that can be reached safely and secured. Leave the building, if it is safe to do so. If you hear shooting it may not be safe to move.
• Block windows or stay out of view from the outside. Get down on the floor or hide behind furniture.
• Put cell phones in silent mode.
• If you know the shooter is nearby call 911 or 336.758.5911. Tell the dispatcher what is happening and report your location. Do not hang up until instructed.
• Do not set off fire alarms as this will draw people who are unaware of the situation into hallways and into danger.