What are "shelter-in-place" protocols?

"Shelter-in-place" protocols refer specifically to guidelines designed to ensure the safety of individuals by keeping them secured in their current location during a disaster. This approach is often utilized in situations where evacuation may pose a greater risk to safety due to hazardous conditions outside, such as during severe weather events, chemical spills, or active shooter situations.

By instructing people to remain in place, these protocols focus on utilizing available resources within the building or location, such as reinforcing doors or finding an interior room away from windows. This method can help minimize exposure to danger while allowing individuals to stay informed of the situation. The key aspect of "shelter-in-place" is that, rather than moving to another location, staying put offers a safer alternative until it is deemed safe to evacuate or until emergency personnel can assist.