SHELTER IN PLACE

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SHELTER-IN-PLACE – Weather related or Hazardous conditions

SHELTER-IN-PLACE: PROCEDURES FOR WEATHER-RELATED EMERGENCIES

If hazardous weather such as a tornado is approaching, Safety & Security will send a SLUALERT message from our emergency notification system to shelter-in-place to protect the campus community. Once the SLUALERT message is sent you should immediately move inside the nearest building. Seek safety in a building consisting of substantial construction (i.e. masonry, brick, etc.) with a solid foundation. Temporary structures such as tents, sheds, etc. should not be used as a shelter.

  • Protect yourself from the approaching weather by taking the following steps:
    • Avoid windows.
      • Go to the lowest floor.
      • Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building, away from glass. Interior stairwells are good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly.
      • Do not enter elevators; you could become trapped in them if the power is lost.
    • If your shelter is being impacted by dangerously high winds:
      • Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down.
      • Cover your head with your hands/arms.

Once the threat has passed, Safety & Security will send a SLUALERT message from our emergency notification system announcing an “ALL CLEAR” to our campus community that it is safe to leave your shelter.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE (ENVIRONMENTAL): PROCEDURES FOR HAZARDOUS AIR QUALITY EMERGENCIES

Sheltering in place because of hazardous air quality is designed to isolate you from the hazard and to prevent the contaminated air from entering your space. The following steps should be followed:

  • Go to an interior room. Based on the nature of the hazard, Safety & Security may direct you to isolate yourself in a lower or upper floor of the building. This is due to some chemicals being lighter or heavier than air and having a tendency to accumulate in either low or high places. Safety & Security will provide this essential information as soon as it has been determined.
    • If you are unable to isolate yourself in a room without windows, you should immediately close and lock all windows.
    • Securely close and lock all doors.
    • As soon as reasonably possible, Facilities Operations may shut down all heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
    • Monitor official St. Lawrence University communications for further instructions.
    • When the “all clear” is announced, open windows and doors, turn on ventilation systems and go outside until the building’s air has been exchanged with the now clean outdoor air.

Contact Safety & Security if you need assistance.

  • Emergency assistance (on campus dial x5555, cell phone dial (315) 229-5555, or dial 911.
    • For non-emergency assistance dial (315) 229-5554 or x5554.