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Lockdown vs. Shelter-In-Place Definition

Emergency Management professionals distinguish ‘Lockdown’ versus ‘Shelter-in-Place' based on the potential nature and severity of threat to the community. In certain emergency situations where there may be an external or internal threat, emergency officials may direct the community to either ‘Shelter-in-Place’ or ‘Lockdown’.

These terms are not interchangeable and have specific instructions of action depending on the nature of the trigger or threat.

Clear communication directly from the college and emergency officials will be communicated specifying which directive is in effect along with additional instructions, as needed.

As ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Public Safety is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff, we invite you to learn the difference between each directive and understand the response required.

Lockdown

A lockdown is where an immediate threat exists, and a building or building needs to have exterior doors/entrances locked, to prevent any unauthorized access.

What to do in a Lockdown

• Remain calm.
• Refrain from entering and exiting the building.
• Distance yourself from doors and windows.
• Remain in place until appropriate authorities have communicated the threat has ended.

NOTE: Building coordinators or supervisors reserve the right to initiate a building lockdown before a formal notice is issued by Spelman Public Safety. In case of an emergency, Public Safety will communicate that a lockdown may be in effect and specify which building, if necessary.

Example Scenario

• Trigger: An active, immediate and hostile threat (e.g. an armed individual).
• Action: Individuals must move to a secure location and lock and barricade doors prevent entry to the armed individual.
• Goal: To keep the threat from entering the occupied space.

Shelter-in-Place

Shelter-in-place may indicate a weather, environmental, or local (police activity) emergency. This action involves remaining in a specific location or moving to a secure, nearby area. It is important to understand that the safest location depends on the situation:

• Remain calm.
• For a person-related threat, choose a room that can be locked or secured.
• For weather or environmental hazards, move to an interior room away from windows and glass.
• If a room cannot be locked, use furniture or other items to block or limit access.

NOTE: Shelter in place can be for human threats (depending on proximity), or unsafe weather and environmental conditions.

Example Scenario

• Trigger: An external threat or hazard (e.g. chemical spill, weather or human threat).
• Action: The individual(s) should seek immediate shelter in a safe area, building, or within campus gates (Spelman Public Safety will specify which).
• Goal: To create a barrier between the individual(s) and the environmental, weather or human threat.

Please remember to remain calm, always use good judgement, and do not take unnecessary risks. Human safety is always ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½’s highest priority. There are exceptions to all guidance and prescribed directions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have not already done so, please , our emergency communication system. This system allows students, faculty and staff to receive time-sensitive emergency messages in the form of e-mail, voice and text messages.