Safety Tips

Shelter-in-Place Procedures

The purpose of an emergency shelter-in-place alert on campus is to limit human exposure to an apparent life-threatening, hostile or hazardous situation. A shelter-in-place alert is necessary in situations where there is reason to believe that exiting a sheltered area will expose individuals to greater danger than remaining in place.

The primary authority to initiate a shelter-in-place order will be Campus Security. Should the situation warrant it, all faculty and staff have the authority to initiate an emergency shelter-in-place alert.

When an intruder on campus is actively causing deadly harm or the threat of imminent deadly harm to people, you should immediately seek cover and call or contact YVC Campus Security at 509.574.4610 (extension 4610, from any campus phone). Give as many details as possible relative to location, number of assailants, means of aggression, and other pertinent information.

Shelter-in-Place alerts may be used in the following situations:

Specific instructions will be based upon the crime or incident that is or has recently occurred. Individuals should follow instructions given by Campus Security or through RAVE Alert. Every person facing a dangerous situation must be prepared to take direct responsibility for his or her own personal safety and security.

In case of a hazardous waste spill, the campus community may be asked to shelter-in-place. Specific instructions or containment procedures are to be given via RAVE Alert based upon the specific hazardous materials-related incident that has occurred or is actively occurring.

General instructions for individuals on campus during an emergency lockdown:

  • Remain calm

  • Do not sound the fire alarm to evacuate the building. People may be placed in harm’s way when they are attempting to evacuate the building. If a fire alarm does go off during a lockdown, do not evacuate unless you smell smoke.

  • Do not gather in open areas or hallways. These ARE NOT areas of shelter.

  • Stay away from windows and doors.

  • Do not leave until police or security contact you to confirm it is safe; follow instructions from police or security.

Run. Hide. Fight.

Surviving an active shooter event. Call 911 if it is safe to do so.

  • Have an escape route and plan in mind
  • Leave your belongings behind
  • Keep your hands visible

  • Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
  • Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors
  • Silence your cell phone

  • As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
  • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
  • Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter
  • Be mentally prepared to do whatever you can to fight back and survive

Remain calm and follow instructions from law enforcement

  • Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
  • Raise hands and spread fingers
  • Keep hands visible at all times
  • Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety
  • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating

Run. Hide. Fight Videos

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Video Copyright © 2012 City of Houston.