Shelter is called when specific protective actions are needed based on a threat or hazard. Training should include response to threats such as tornado, earthquake, hazardous materials situation or other local threats.
PUBLIC ADDRESS
The public address for shelter should include the hazard and the safety strategy. The public address is repeated twice each time the public address is performed.
“Shelter! For a hazard. Using safety strategy.
Shelter! For a hazard. Using safety strategy.”
HAZARDS MAY INCLUDE
- Tornado
- Severe weather
- Wildfires
- Flooding
- Hazmat spill or release
- Earthquake
- Tsunami
SAFETY STRATEGIES MAY INCLUDE
- Evacuate to shelter area
- Seal the room
- Drop, cover and hold
- Get to high ground
ACTIONS
Collaboration with local responders, the National Weather Service, and other local, regional and state resources will help in developing specific actions for your district response.
SHELTER - STATE THE HAZARD AND SAFETY STRATEGY
Using the Shelter Protocol and stating the hazard allows for understanding of the threat and the associated protective actions. Most often, the Shelter Protocol is utilized for tornadoes and other severe weather, in which case it would include the shelter location for students and staff, and what protective posture or action they should take.
Sheltering for a Hazmat spill or release is very different. In the case of a Hazmat situation, students and staff would be directed to close their windows, shut down their heating and air conditioning units and seal windows and doors to preserve the good inside air while restricting the entry of any contaminated outside air. Listening to specific directives is critical to a successful emergency response.
ABOUT SHELTER-IN-PLACE
There is a long tradition of using the term “Shelter-in-place” for a variety of hazards. While Still in common use, the SRP suggests simply stating the hazard and providing a safety strategy.
