Although evacuation of the campus is the University’s planned response to most serious emergency situations where advance notice is given, there are situations where evacuation might not be effective. Sheltering in place is the use of any classroom, office, residential facility, 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
Release of biological agents
Release of chemical agents
Radiological release
Weather-related incidents (tornado, hurricane, and flood)
The decision to utilize the Shelter-in-Place plan would be made by the University President or his/her designee in consultation with the Chairperson of the Crisis Management Team. In the absence of the University President, the following chain of succession will be utilized: the Executive Director for Campus Planning and Facilities Management, and the Vice President for Student Life.
In the event of the utilization of the Shelter- in-Place plan, those affected would be notified by one or more of the following means:
University Emergency Communication System
University voicemail
University email
Police vehicle P.A. systems and megaphones
Monmouth University website
Electronic signs
Certain emergency conditions might necessitate shutting down the HVAC and exhaust systems. If Facilities Management personnel are readily available, they will shut down the needed HVAC and exhaust systems. If Facilities Management personnel are unavailable, trained emergency personnel will shut down the HVAC and exhaust systems.
Many Shelter-in-Place emergencies do not permit the luxury of consultation regarding the implementation of this plan. Time permitting, the decision to shelter in place would be made by the University President and his/her designee in consultation with the Chairperson of the Crisis Management Team. Every attempt should be made by the University police to follow this procedure. If, in the opinion of the ranking, on-duty police supervisor, a dangerous situation required the immediate implementation of the Shelter-in-Place plan, he/she should begin the notification process of the campus population in the following order of priority:
A University Emergency Communication System message will be sent out.
Police dispatch will notify patrol units to advise the campus population by P.A. system to immediately seek shelter, and to implement the Shelter-in-Place plan.
Contact with campus radio (WMCX) will be made advising them to begin broadcasting the implementation of the Shelter in place plan, the reason, and the need to stay indoors until further notice.
Contact with Facilities Management will be made advising them to shut down the HVAC and exhaust systems on campus (if appropriate). If Facilities Management personnel are unavailable, trained emergency personnel will shut down the HVAC and exhaust systems.
Contact will be made with the University Executive Director for Campus Planning and Facilities Management, Vice President of Student Life and Leadership Engagement, and the Monmouth University Police Captain.
The Office of the Executive Director for Campus Planning and Facilities Management will notify the campus population of the implementation of the plan, and the need to remain indoors, as well as other pertinent information. They will make this notification by Regroup as well as one or more of the following means: University email, University voicemail, and University website.
The response of the campus population to the decision to shelter in place should be to immediately go indoors. Once inside members should:
Shut all windows and doors.
Seal any gaps around windows and doors with wet towels, clothing, etc.
If possible, go to a room with no windows.
Monitor by radio, University email, and University voicemail the circumstances of the emergency.
Avoid using the building phone system except for emergency use. Emergency responders may be trying to get in touch with you. If you have a cell phone and call your family/friends, advise them that you are sheltering in place and not to attempt to pick you up. Further advise them not to come to the campus until officials announce it is safe to do so.
Avoid the use of water until notified it is safe.
In the event of hazardous material contamination (chemical, biological, radiological), it is very important to separate those individuals who have been exposed. If possible, select a room in which those contaminated individuals might stay in until emergency assistance and decontamination can take place.
Remain in the shelter until University officials notify you that it is safe to leave.
It is important to remain calm and follow the recommendations of police personnel, administrators, area coordinators, and other designated leaders.
Different emergencies call for different responses. The following are basic courses of action to remember in specific Shelter-in-Place emergencies:
During a chemical release, you should seek shelter in a room above ground level (most chemicals settle to the lowest level), preferably one without windows. You should also follow step #6 which is listed above.
During a biological release, you should seek shelter in an internal room, preferably one without windows. You should also follow step #6 which is listed above.
In the event of a nuclear or radiological release, stay indoors and go to a basement or other underground area if available. You should also follow step #6 which is listed above.
During a tornado, you should go to an underground room if one is available. If possible you should take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway. In a multiple-story building, go to the lowest floor and stay in interior rooms away from windows and doors. Go to the center of the room and avoid corners (they attract debris). You should lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. You should also avoid sheltering in places with a wide span roof such as auditoriums or gymnasiums. Lastly, you should not seek shelter in a vehicle.
During a flood, seek shelter above water level and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
During a hurricane, you should stay indoors and away from glass doors and windows. If possible you should take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway. In a multiple-story building, go to the first or second floors and stay in interior rooms away from windows. Lastly, you should lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object, while protecting your head and neck.
Although electrical storms are common occurrences, and you would not normally be notified of Shelter-in-Place plans, you should do the following:
Seek shelter indoors (or in a vehicle) immediately.
Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing/bathroom fixtures conduct electricity.
Avoid using a corded phone except for emergencies. Cordless and cell phones are safe to use.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Once notified of the “all clear,” those affected should:
Open windows and doors.
Turn on heating, air conditioning, or ventilation systems.
Go outside and wait until the buildings have been vented.
Remain outside until advised by University officials to go inside.
It is important to remember that during any emergency, the ability to contact Police Headquarters may be compromised due to the volume of incoming calls. Unless your call is of an emergency nature, you are requested to contact the Emergency Information Telephone Line at 732-263-5900 to receive updated information regarding what is taking place and what actions to take. This telephone line will be updated as the emergency situation unfolds. Naturally, if you need immediate assistance, you are requested to call the Police at 732-571-4444 or dial 911.
