Shelter in Place – Shelter in Place is a directive to seek immediate shelter indoors following the announcement of an emergency condition. The act of sheltering in an area inside a building offers occupants an elevated level of protection. Sheltering can be related to a variety of situations: severe weather emergencies, hazardous condition, chemical release, or criminal activity.
In some instances, it is safer to shelter in place than to evacuate a building, during a Shelter in Place situation:
- Take refuge in a designated area of safety within a building such as a small, interior room with no or few windows to minimize exposure to outside risks such as chemical, biological or radioactive releases and weather emergencies such as tornados.
- Share the notification with others in the building if possible, but do not leave the area where you are sheltered-in-place.
- Close windows, doors, etc. Stay in place until cleared via Penguin Alert and/or the building PA system.
- Shelter in Place can occur without a Lockdown.
Shelter in Place can occur without a Lockdown.
Lockdown – The directive LOCKDOWN is used to stop access and/or outlet as appropriate, to all or a portion of the buildings on campus. Unless otherwise directed, consider that all buildings will initiate lockdown procedures.
During a Lockdown situation on campus:
- Remain where you are. Close/lock doors. Classroom doors lock when closed. If it doesn’t lock, barricade it with heavy objects.
- Close blinds. Turn off lights. Silence phones. Move away from windows and doors.
- Cease class instruction.
- If someone wants in, use your best judgement. If you do not feel safe, do not open the door.
- YSU police will notify campus via Penguin Alert and the building PA system when the lockdown has ended.
Weather Warning – A warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring, is imminent or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.
Weather Watch – A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.