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. Below are several emergencies for which you may need to shelter-in-place.

Fire or Smoke and You Cannot Evacuate:

• If safe to do so, go to the nearest stairwell
• Inform 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 the dispatcher your name, your location, that you are unable to evacuate, and why you are unable to evacuate the building.
• Follow instructions given by the dispatcher.
• See “FIRE, EXPLOSION AND SMOKE” page for additional information. 

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 for additional information.

Active Shooter / Violent Intruder:

• Lock and barricade doors.
• Move away from outside doors and windows.
• Close window shades and turn off lights.
• Only call MIT Police at 617-253-1212 (x100 from a campus phone) if you have information about the active shooter/violent intruder.
• See “ACTIVE SHOOTER/VIOLENT INTRUDER” page
• for additional 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 for additional information.