Skip to content

Emergency Management

Secure/Shelter in Place

During an emergency, you may be told to secure in place or shelter in place, depending on the situation. Secure in place is used for acts of violence and means to place a locked door or other barricade between you and the associated violence or danger. Shelter in place is often used for weather-related or hazmat emergencies and means you should move inside to a building or space that protects you from the danger.

Secure in Place

  • Remain calm.
  • Follow directions provided via CU Alerts and/or from emergency officials.
  • If you are outside during a secure-in-place emergency, seek cover in the nearest unlocked building.
  • If the buildings in the immediate area have exterior doors that have been locked, continue to move away from the danger, seek cover, move to another building or leave campus if it is safe to do so.
  • Once inside, find an interior room and lock or barricade the doors.
  • To minimize vulnerability, turn off lights, silence phones, close curtains and blinds, and move away from windows.
  • Do NOT leave until you receive an “All Clear."

Shelter in Place

  • Remain calm.
  • Follow directions provided via CU Alerts, other emergency notifications and/or from emergency officials.
  • Immediately seek shelter inside the closest sturdy building. Do not wait until you physically see a tornado or severe weather event to react.
  • Resist the temptation to go outside and check the weather conditions yourself.
  • Once inside, stay away from windows, glass and unsecured objects that may fall.
  • Seek shelter in interior rooms and corridors.
  • Do NOT use elevators.
  • Do NOT leave until you receive an “All Clear."

For a hazardous materials situation or incident at Oconee Nuclear Station, take the following actions, if directed to shelter in place:

  • Go indoors, close windows and doors.
  • Turn off fans, heating and air conditioning. (University Facilities will do this on campus.)
  • Close all air intakes. Place your home or car system in internal recirculation, if possible.

Learn more on the Oconee Nuclear Station section.