Shelter-In-Place

In some instances (e.g. , smoke or fire is immediately outside your room, or there is a hazard outside), it may be safer to “shelter in place” than it is to evacuate.  Shelter in place procedures vary depending on the type of hazard.

Fire or Smoke and You Cannot Evacuate:

• If safe to do so, go to the nearest stairwell and tell someone who is evacuating to notify emergency personnel that you are unable to evacuate.
• Call 617-253-1212 (x100 from a campus phone) and tell them your name, your location, that you are unable to evacuate, and why you are unable to evacuate the building. Follow directions of the emergency call taker.
• See “FIRE, EXPLOSION AND SMOKE” page. 

Airborne Chemical Hazard:

• Close all outside doors and windows.
• If safe to do so, turn off A/C and air handling systems.
• Move away from outside windows and doors, as well as air ducts and ventilation systems.
• If the hazard is an internal hazardous spill, see “HAZARDOUS MATERIALS” page.

Active Shooter / Violent Intruder:

• Lock and barricade doors.
• Move away from outside doors and windows.
• Close window shades and turn off lights.
• If there are injured persons, or you have information about the assailant(s) call the MIT Police at 617-253-1212 (x100 from a campus phone).
• See “ACTIVE SHOOTER/VIOLENT INTRUDER” page for full information. 

Severe Weather Incident:

• Move away from outside windows and doors, as well as large glass objects.
• Avoid being underneath heavier objects that may fall.
• Help direct people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.
• See “SEVERE WEATHER” page.