Shelter in Place

A shelter-in-place procedure may be implemented when a situation occurs that may be a hazard to health or is life threatening. It can be used when it is safer to keep the students inside the building rather than expose them to possible harm by allowing them to leave the building. Tornado warnings, wildfires or hurricanes may all trigger a shelter in place at schools securing the students while keeping the buildings open for entry only.

Once a shelter in place is called the school should remain in that condition until the “All Clear” is given.

A shelter in place may be called by school officials or other agencies such as emergency responders or local weather agencies. A shelter in place could also be called for by any principal or teacher or staff member with knowledge of an immediate danger.

Shelter-in-place and lockdown are not synonymous terms. While both contain the students and staff, a shelter-in–place will allow individuals into your building to seek shelter from potential hazards. A shelter-in-place can be called in the following situations:

• To contain the school while allowing others to seek shelter from potential hazards
• To control and manage students and staff
• To reduce potential victimization