Shelter in Place

 

In an emergency, it is important to remain calm and be alert to what is happening around you. 

Frequently, the best thing you can do during an incident is to call emergency services:

Call University Police or Security at your location

  • 318-357-5431       Natchitoches Campus
  • 318-677-3006       Shreveport Campus-security Bldg B
  • 337-392-3130       Leesville Campus
  • 318-484-2184       Alexandria Campus

 

  • Call 911 if you are unable to reach University Police or the line is busy.

 

SHELTER-IN-PLACE DEFINED

Sheltering-in-Place is the use of any classroom, office, or building for the purpose of providing temporary shelter for any of the following reasons:

  • Hazardous Material Release
  • Chemical Truck Overturning
  • Chemical Train Derailment
  • Chemical Facility Accident
  • Pipeline Rupture
  • Terrorist Attack
  • Biological/Chemical Agents
  • Radiological Release
  • Airplane Crash
  • Drill
  • Other times as directed.

 

Guidance for Sheltering-In-Place

 

How to prepare to "Shelter in Place"

Although it is unlikely that you will ever need to shelter in place, it is helpful to know what to do just in case.  The longest you should expect to stay inside is about 12 hours-usually less.  A few simple items can make it easier and more comfortable should you ever need to shelter in place on campus.  First, keep a supply of required medications with you.  The following additional items would be good to keep in the place where you spend most of your time-your residence hall room or office-to support your personal comfort:

  • Extra prescription medicine (if you need to take it during the period of shelter in place or in case local pharmacies do not open immediately following the incident).
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Non-perishable food and bottled water
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Battery Operated Radio
  • A telephone (Remember during an incident, telephone services may not be available.)

 

How will you know to "Shelter in Place?"

Assume you should.  But a shelter in place notification can come from several sources, including the University Police Department, Housing Staff, or other University employees, local Law Enforcement Agencies, or Purple Alert Emergency Notification System.

Notification of a need to shelter in place may also come over the radio and television.  In addition, the University can announce the need to shelter in place through public address systems, the public address system on University Police vehicles, as well as in person. 

In any emergency, conditions permitting, you can call University Police for information regarding Campus Advisories.  Or you can access information on the web at www.nsula.edu

How to "Shelter in Place"

No matter where you are, the basic steps of shelter in place will generally remain the same.  Should the need ever arise; follow these steps, unless instructed otherwise by local emergency personnel:

1. If you are inside, stay where you are.  Collect any emergency shelter-in-place supplies and a telephone for emergency use. 

2. If you are outdoors, proceed to the nearest building or follow the instructions of emergency personnel on the incident scene.

3. Locate a room to shelter-in place.  The room should be

       -An Interior room

       -Above the ground-1st floor is usually best-do not stay in the basement

       -Without windows or with the least number of windows.

4. Shut and lock all windows (tighter seal) and close exterior doors.

5. Turn off air conditioners, heaters and fans.  Power Plant personnel will be contacted at 5886 (318-357-5886) to shut down all air conditioning units in all buildings.

6. Close vents to ventilation systems as you are able. 

7. Make a list of the persons that are sheltering in place and emergency (cell) phone numbers.  You can fax that list to University Police at 318-357-4321.

8. Turn on a radio or TV and listen for further instructions.

9. Drink bottled water, not water from the tap or water fountains.

10. You can provide a minimal amount of protection for yourself by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth or other material.

 

DO NOT CALL 911 UNLESS YOU ARE REPORTING

A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY.

 

When the "ALL CLEAR" is given, you may do any of the following:

  • Open windows and doors
  • Turn on heating, air conditioning or ventilation systems
  • Go outside and wait until the building has been vented.