Shelter in Place Procedures

Shelter in Place

In certain emergencies, the Morgan State campus community may be advised to shelter in place to avoid or minimize exposure to outside risks. Risks could include chemical, biological, or radioactive releases; some weather-related emergencies, or criminal activities.

Once shelter-in-place instructions have been communicated, students, faculty, and staff should either stay in the building they are in when they get the message or if outside, go to the nearest building and await further instructions.

What Shelter-in-Place Means

Shelter-in-Place is a precaution aimed at keeping you safe while remaining indoors. It refers to taking refuge in a designated area of safety within a building such as a small, interior room with no or few windows. It does not mean sealing off your entire residence or office building. If you are told to shelter in place, follow the instructions provided below.

Why You Might Need to Shelter-in-Place

Chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants may be released accidentally or intentionally into the environment. Should this occur, information will be provided by local authorities on television and radio stations on how to protect you and your family. MSU will send alerts and updates through our Mobile Alert System, the link is below https://morgan.omnilert.net/subscriber.php?command=show_signup

Because information will most likely be provided on television and radio, it is important to keep a TV or radio on, even during the workday. The important thing is for you to follow the instructions of the University and/or local authorities and know what to do if they advise you to shelter in place.

Local officials on the scene are the best source of information for your particular situation. Following their instructions during and after emergencies regarding sheltering, food, water, and cleanup methods is your safest choice.

Remember that instructions to shelter in place are usually provided for durations of a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that the room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen and you will suffocate.

 The important thing is for you to follow the instructions of University authorities and know what to do if they advise you to shelter in place. 

General Shelter in Place Information

If a shelter in place order is given, you should: 

• Immediately Stop classes or work, or close business operations and seek shelter.
• Avid large free-standing expanses such as auditoriums and gymnasiums.
• Share the notification with others in the building if possible, but do not leave the area where you were instructed to shelter in place.
• Close all windows, exterior doors, and any other openings to the outside.
• Stay away from windows, glass, and unsecured objects that may fall.
• Select interior room(s) above the ground floor with the fewest windows or vents. 
• Under certain circumstances (criminal activity) it may be necessary to lock the door to the area where you are located
• If you are not in imminent risk, contact your family to inform them of the situation.
• Keep listening to local radio, and television, and check your cell phone for MSU Mobile Alert https://morgan.omnilert.net/subscriber.php?command=show_signup System messages and alerts until you are told it is safe or you are told to evacuate. Morgan State University and local officials may call for an evacuation in specific areas only.
• Do not use the elevators.
• Do not leave until an All Clear is received.

Conclusion

University and local officials are the best sources of information for your particular situation. Following their instructions during and after emergencies regarding sheltering, food, water, and clean-up methods is your safest choice. Always use common sense.