I. Purpose
A Shelter-in-Place is issued when there is a weather emergency [i.e., hurricane, tornado, winter weather, etc.], environmental hazard [i.e., chemical, biological or radiological contamination], or local emergencies [i.e., local police activity]. Sheltering-In-Place is the use of any classroom, office, residential facility, or building for the purpose of providing temporary shelter for any of the following reasons including but not limited to:
- Hazardous Material Release
- Chemical Truck Overturning
- Chemical Train Derailment
- Chemical Facility Accident Emergency Shelter at Monmouth University
- Pipeline Rupture
- Terrorist Attack
- Release of Biological Agents
- Release of Chemical Agents
- Radiological Release
- Weather Related Incidents (Tornado, Hurricane, and Flood)
II. Policy
These procedures are meant to be guidelines to help maximize the safety and well-being of individuals. The Monmouth University Police Department will inform the community of a Shelter in Place order through the Emergency Notification Alert System. A Shelter-in-Place order can become a Lockdown order if a local emergency becomes an immediate physical threat on campus. In this case, the Monmouth University Police Department would inform the community through a subsequent Emergency Notification System Alert “Lockdown”.
The purpose of a Shelter-in-Place order is to keep the community safe, avoid the hazard, and to keep campus clear for emergency use. When you are notified of an emergency, seek or remain in a location that is safe from the affected area. In the event that a Shelter-in-Place order is issued, follow these steps including but not limited to:
- Individuals outdoors should seek shelter in the nearest building, if the building(s) are secure they should use an outdoor structure to separate and protect you from the hazard.
- Shut all windows and doors.
- Seal any gaps around windows and doors with towels, clothing, etc.
- Stay away from objects that may lead to higher risk of injury (i.e., windows during a storm).
- If possible, go to a room with no windows.
- Do not leave the area of safety until you are notified that the emergency is no longer a threat.
- When in a safe area, attempt to secure the space in whatever reasonable manner is applicable.
- Monitor University e-mail and University Voicemail for the circumstances of the emergency.
- Avoid using the building phone system except for emergency use.
- If you have a cell phone and call your family/friends, advise them that you are Sheltering in Place and advise them not to come to campus until officials announce it is safe to do so.
- Avoid the use of public water until notified it is safe.
- Remain sheltered in place until University officials notify you that it is safe to leave.
- It is important to remain calm and follow the recommendations of Police personnel, administrators, and other designated leaders.
Do not leave until the all clear is received. You will receive an Emergency Notification System Alert from the Monmouth University Police Department giving you the all clear and that there is no further threat to the campus.