Overview
Shelter in place is an emergency directive used to protect individuals from hazards by remaining inside a building or room until conditions are safe. This directive may be used for different types of incidents, including severe weather or threats occurring on or near campus. A “shelter in place” for a weather emergency may not be a “shelter in place” location for an active threat.
Follow all official instructions until an “all clear” announcement is used.
How You Will Be Notified
Expect emergency notifications through one or more of the following methods:
- Audio Broadcasts
- Public address (PA) system (Saint Paul Campus)
- Cisco IP desk phones (Saint Paul Campus)
- Computer Desktop Pop-up Notifications
- University-owned desktop and laptop computers
- Digital displays (Saint Paul Campus)
- SMS Text Notifications
- Star Alert
- Email
- Phone Call
Always treat emergency notifications as real and act immediately.
Shelter in Place Locations
A list of threat-based shelter-in-place locations will not be published externally. Severe weather shelter-in-place locations are indicated on evacuation maps. Signs are posted indicating severe weather shelter areas as well.
- Review emergency procedures for the buildings where you work, study, or visit.
- Identify interior rooms with minimal windows and solid walls.
- Identify designated severe weather shelter areas in advance.
- Consult your supervisor, department leadership, or Campus Security for recommended locations.
- Specific “What to expect” and “What to do” information is listed below for both the Severe Weather, Active Threat shelter-in-place emergency scenarios.
Advance familiarity with your building/area improves response time and safety.
Severe Weather
When Severe Weather Occurs
Take immediate protective action when severe weather warnings are issued.
- Monitor public weather sources (radio, television, weather apps).
- Follow Metro State communications when campus operations may be affected.
What to Do
- Move to a designated severe weather shelter in place area.
- Go to the lowest level possible, preferably an interior hallway or room.
- Avoid elevators, windows, doors, and large open areas.
- Stay low and protect your head and neck.
- Use sturdy, wall-supported objects for additional protection if available.
- Bring a battery-powered radio if accessible.
Remain in place until conditions improve, and an all-clear is issued.
Active Threat
For incidents involving potential violence, the university may issue lockdown or lockout instructions. These actions are designed to reduce risk while emergency responders assess and manage the situation.
Important:
- Access cards will not function normally during these procedures.
- Follow Run, Hide, Fight emergency preparedness.
Lockdown
A lockdown is used when a treat is believed to be inside a campus building.
What to Expect
- Exterior doors remain unlocked to allow emergency responder access.
- Interior doors with card readers automatically lock.
- Interior doors without card readers should be locked or barricaded if possible.
- Doors can still be excited from the inside.
- Movement through hallways and common areas should stop.
- Accessibility door buttons work from the inside only.
- If a door has a motion detection sensor (Request to Exit - RTE) to automatically unlock the door, that function will remain available during a lockdown. It is important to remember to stay away from these doors.
What to Do
- Lock or barricade the door using available furniture or objects.
- Close blinds and block windows where possible.
- Turn off lights, radios, and computer monitors.
- Move away from doors and windows.
- Position yourself behind solid objects that provide protection.
- Silence cell phones.
- Remain quiet and calm.
- Allow others to seek refuge with you if it is safe to do so.
If you are in an unsecured or open area:
- Move away from the threat if a safe escape route is immediately available.
- Otherwise, secure the safest available space as quickly as possible.
Lockout
A lockout is used when a threat is outside campus buildings or nearby.
What to Expect
- Exterior doors are locked to prevent entry.
- Interior doors remain unlocked to allow movement away from exterior exposure.
- Doors may still be exited from the inside.
- Accessibility door buttons work from the inside only.
- If a door has a motion detection sensor (Request to Exit - RTE) to automatically unlock the door, that function will remain available during a lockdown. It is important to remember to stay away from these doors.
What to Do
- Enter the nearest campus building immediately.
- Move away from windows, doors, and exterior-facing spaces.
- Assist individuals who may be confused or frozen.
- Move to interior spaces with fewer windows.
- Remain inside the building until an all-clear is issued.
If the threat enters the building, follow lockdown instructions immediately.
Security's Role
Campus Security responds to all incidents using established protocols and adjusts actions as conditions evolve.
Security officers will:
- Monitor the situation and provide updates via the PA system.
- Announce all-clear messages when appropriate.
- Coordinate with the St. Paul Police Department.
- Assist individuals as needed.
- Monitor building exteriors for people needing guidance or assistance.
After the All Clear
- Resume normal activities only after an official all-clear announcement.
- Follow additional instructions provided by the university.
- Seek support resources if needed.
Key Reminders
- Act immediately when notified.
- Follow instructions specific to the situation.
- Do not rely on assumptions or unofficial information.
- Familiarize yourself with your building in advance.
Preparedness and calm, informed action help keep everyone safe.
Reference the University Emergency Management Team for additional resources.