Emergency Plans, Teams, Services

Shelter in Place

What is Shelter in Place?

Shelter in place is a short-term safety procedure that will help protect staff, students, and guests by taking shelter inside the building if hazardous materials are released into the atmosphere. Hazardous materials are all around us at home and school. When properly handled, they do not pose a health threat; however, when they are accidentally or intentionally released, there is a potential for danger. Preparedness is the key to surviving any emergency, especially a hazardous materials accident. Toxic releases can come without a warning and allow only minutes to respond.

When Would We Shelter in Place?

During a release of hazardous materials (chemical, radiological, or biological), the air quality may be threatened and evacuation could cause you to encounter a plume of toxic materials that may be hazardous to your health. Thus, we seek shelter from the hazard according to information provided to the school by local health or emergency authorities. Sheltering for an air hazard is usually a short to medium duration, 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

Prior to an Event:

  • As an annual refresher, all staff should read this Shelter-In-Place (SIP) plan and review the SIP training contained in the Standard Emergency Response Protocols training found in LBCC's Safe Colleges System.
    Note: You will need a Safe Colleges account for this training. Please contact the Public Safety Office at 541-917-4309 to receive access to Safe Colleges.
  • Know the designated Shelter-In-Place locations for your building(s).

 

Emergency Response Procedures:

When information is received from emergency responders by the Safety & Loss Prevention Office, the President's Office, or the Center Director's Office:

  • Facilities personnel will be notified to turn off the air handling units. If you are in a facility without central control of the air handlers, someone at your facility will need to physically turn the unit/s off. Office staff will know where the shut-off is.
  • Staff and students on site will be notified of an air hazard event (by the air hazard siren and announcement on main campus and by message alert to the classrooms at the centers).
  • LBCC's Public Information Officer will alert the community as well as students and staff not currently onsite about the Shelter-In-Place status via the LBCC web site, email, and the ReGroup system. Those not on site should remain off campus until the SIP status has been lifted, sheltering in their respective location.

 

When you hear the Shelter In Place Alarm Message:

  • Building Emergency Coordinators and Building Managers should gather 2-way radios, BEC (to-go) bags, students, staff, and guests in the area and proceed to the designated SIP locations for their building.
  • Report to the Shelter-In-Place location for the building where you currently reside. SIP rooms are highlighted on the evacuation maps near the entrance of each building. Do not drive or walk outdoors.

  • Campus Shelter-In-Place Locations.

  • Incident Command general staff will report immediately to the Public Safety Offices in Red Cedar Hall and at the agreed upon sheltered location for IC staff at each center (consult your center director).
  • Doors will be locked and remain locked until the Shelter-In-Place has been cleared by local authorities/emergency responders. A sign from the SIP kit (located in each designated SIP area) must be posted on the door indicating the Shelter-In-Place status, that the door will remain locked and not opened to anyone, and where those looking for shelter inside should go.
  • Duct tape from the SIP kit should be used to seal the door/s to the room. If plastic is included in the respective kit, cover the designated door (or window in some cases) with the plastic and seal around it with the duct tape.

 

While Sheltering:

  • Individuals should be advised to remain calm, sit patiently. Garbage bags have been provided in the SIP kits for hygiene needs.
  • Individuals should be allowed to use their cell phones to contact family members as necessary, to advise them of the SIP situation, and request that they not attempt to come to campus.
  • Incident Command will continue to provide updates using the public address system if available, and 2-way radio communication with BECs.
  • The Public Information Officer will provide updates on the web page as they become available.
  • Report any problems - medical concerns, injuries, life-threatening situations, etc - to campus Public Safety via the officer's cell phone (541-926-6855) or the two-way radio. They will contact the appropriate emergency response agency for assistance.

 

At the Conclusion of Sheltering:

  • Notification will be provided by local emergency responders at the conclusion of the event/emergency.
  • Announcements of the all clear will be provided via the public address system, two-way radio communication with BECS and Building Managers, and web site postings.
  • Facilities personnel (and center personnel that regulate HVAC systems) will be notified to turn air handling units back on.
  • Doors to buildings, classrooms, and offices should be opened to aid circulation of fresh air.
  • Once the toxic cloud has passed and the all clear to leave has been given, individuals should evacuate the buildings to avoid continued exposure to toxic air that may have seeped inside during the air hazard event. The air is now cleaner outside than inside.