Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

When the Unthinkable Happens

  • 06/01/17

An important component of an institution’s safety plan must include what students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus should do in the event of an emergency. This plan is applicable to active shooter/attacker situations, but also other situations as well, including the release of chemical, biological or radiological material or severe weather; any situation that poses an immediate hazard or threat.

“Sheltering in place” is a common response plan to emergent hazards. This should not be interpreted as “stay exactly where you currently are,” but instead as a procedure to determine the safest place to position yourself as quickly as possible during a hazardous situation.

As with other campus safety plans and procedures, it’s important to develop (and practice) guidelines for responding to emergent threats. Communicating your plan to the campus community is vital. Making information available on your institution’s website is one of the best options for sharing guidance for these situations. Although your plans need to be tailored to the geography and existing architecture and infrastructure of your campus, it may be helpful to review what other colleges and universities have in place when reviewing, planning and revising your own.

Here are some examples:

California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
“Shelter in Place, or Run/Fight”

Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
“Shelter in Place”

University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH
“Emergency Guide”

Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT
“Shelter in Place”

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.

  • University of Washington Opens New Broadcast Studio

    The University of Washington in Seattle, Wash., recently announced the opening of Sundodger Studios, a new broadcast, production, and content facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with Anthony James Partners for the design and development of the studio, which will host about 100 live broadcasts and 120 live videoboard shows per year.

  • Haws Corporation Marks 120th Anniversary

    Haws Corporation, which provides hydration and emergency safety solutions worldwide, recently announced that the company is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, according to a news release.

  • Sam Houston State University Completes Athletic Stadium Renovations

    Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, recently announced the reopening of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium after an extensive renovation project, according to a news release. The university partnered with Stantec and DLR Group for the project’s design.