Shelter-in-Place

When to Shelter-in-Place

In an emergency, College or local officials may tell you to seek safe shelter or “shelter-in-place.” Shelter-in-place means to stay inside or go in the nearest building when a disaster strikes. It is a way for you to stay as safe as possible until the emergency is over.

If you are told to shelter-in-place, please follow the steps below to keep safe if told to shelter-in-place.

  • Active Shooter: An active shooter or assailant is reported on campus—see Actions to Take in an Active Shooter or Intruder Situation
  • Tornado/Major Weather Event—see Tornado Warning, Hurricane/Tropical Storm, or Train Derailment
  • Chemical, Radiological, or another hazard—see Explosion, Hazardous Materials Incident, Nuclear Power Incident, or Train Derailment
Shelter-in-Place Steps
  1. Stay Indoors: If indoors, stay put. If outdoors, go inside the nearest building quickly or follow instructions from officials.
  2. Find a Safe Room: Choose an interior room with no or few windows above ground.
  3. Secure the Room:
    1. Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
    2. Turn off air conditioners, heaters, and fans.
    3. Close vents if possible (LVC staff will turn off ventilation as soon as possible).
  4. Contact Information: Make a list of people with you. Call the Office of Campus Safety at 717-867-6111 to report your location.
  5. Stay Informed: Monitor updates via:
    1. LVC Website
    2. Social Media: LVC social media channels
    3. Signage and Omnilert Alerts: Follow posted instructions and alerts.