Shelter in Place or Lockdown?

In an emergency, you may be instructed to shelter in place or lockdown. Here’s what each one means:

Shelter in Place

Shelter-in-place events could be weather-related emergencies, environmental emergencies, or other hazardous conditions in the community.

  • Seek shelter indoors, preferably in interior rooms or corridors.
  • Your building occupancy handbook can help identify safe locations.
  • Do not lock doors; others may also need to seek shelter.
  • Do not use elevators. Avoid windows and glass doors.

While sheltering in place, resist the urge to check on the conditions yourself and wait for a follow-up “all clear” ENS message.

Lockdown

Lockdowns are a response to an immediate physical threat to the campus community. Most campus buildings, such as residence halls, have the ability to be remotely locked by the University of Pittsburgh Police.

  • The exterior doors will remain locked, and you will not be able to enter.
  • You will hear an automated message broadcast throughout the building for five cycles that repeats every hour during the incident.
  • If you find yourself locked out of your office or residence, leave the area and move as far away from the incident as you reasonably can.
  • Follow the directions broadcast over the Emergency Messaging Service.

If you're in an independently owned or operated building in the Oakland area, retreat to a safe area, then lock or barricade the doors.

During lockdowns, only let in police or other uniformed first responders. Do not come out and wait for a follow-up “all clear” ENS message.

These are general guidelines that will help you to remember what to do in the event of a shelter- in-place or lockdown event on campus, but each situation may present unique challenges. The most import ant aspect in both a shelter-in-place and lockdown event is to put effective barriers between you and the threat.

The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. Plan ahead and know your options. If you become aware of an emergency before receiving an official alert, take action to make sure you are safe, and contact emergency responders by dialing 911, or by contacting the University of Pittsburgh Police Department directly at 412-624-2121.

For more information, please visit https://www.emergency.pitt.edu/resources.