Shelter in place is an emergency procedure intended to secure and protect building occupants who are in the proximity of an immediate environmental threat. This procedure is used when it may be more dangerous to evacuate a building than to stay inside. It is essential for the safety of occupants and emergency responders that individuals comply with instructions at all times.
Upon alert to shelter in place:
Seek and share shelter
- If in a classroom, room or office, stay where you are and close windows and internal doors (do not lock).
- Avoid rooms with windows that cannot be sealed or with mechanical equipment.
- Avoid overcrowding by using several rooms if necessary.
- Increase your distance from the hazard and enter the closest building possible if outdoors.
Seal exterior doors and windows
- Seal exterior doors and windows and any vents if there is a hazardous materials release.
- In some cases, the ventilation system, furnace, air conditioners, and exhaust systems may be shut off.
- Increase your distance from the hazard and enter the closest building possible if outdoors.
Keep calm and alert
- Keep phones on and monitor www.ufv.ca for more information.
- Minimize noise and do not make unnecessary calls. Unless instructed otherwise, you may call your emergency contacts to advise them of your condition.
- Listen and be aware of potential hazards including unusual sounds and smells.
Stay
- Remain in the secure location until additional information is provided by emergency personnel or a university authority.