Many types of emergencies could occur in your building or surrounding area which would require that you remain inside, in a secure area, instead of evacuating. In situations such as a major chemical spill, fire in an adjacent building, police operation or armed intruder it is safer to shelter in place than it is to evacuate.
During a shelter in place emergency, the following notification will be broadcast over the public address system;
“Your attention please, this is a shelter in place emergency. Please proceed to the nearest room, close and lock the door and remain inside and await further instructions.”
Shelter in place procedure
- If you are inside an area that can be locked, stay where you are and instruct anyone in the hallway directly outside your area to come inside.
- If you are outside in a public space or hallway, enter the nearest secure office, lab or classroom and remain inside.
- If possible, shut and lock all doors and windows, turn off lights and move away from the door and windows.
- If you are unable to enter a secured space, stay where you are and seek any available shelter. Only attempt to leave if you are in immediate danger.
- Do not call security for general information. If safe and able, check the university website or call the university emergency information line at 514-848-8800. You will be advised when the situation has returned to normal.
- Only call Security (3717 or 514-848-3717) for life-threatening emergencies or to provide vital information.
- If a fire alarm is heard during a shelter in place emergency do not evacuate unless you have first hand knowledge of a fire, are in immediate danger, or if a message over the public address system instructs you to evacuate.
- Make yourself comfortable, reassure each other and wait until you are told it is safe to come out.
