Public Safety

Shelter-in-Place

What does shelter-in-place mean?

Shelter-in-place means to find a safe place such as a small, interior room, with no or few windows, and take refuge there. Stay put in this location until officials say that it is safe to leave. If officials tell you to "shelter-in-place," act quickly.

How to Shelter-in-Place

  • Find an interior room with minimal windows
  • Close and lock all doors
  • Turn off all lights
  • If you can’t find a room without windows, close blinds or window shades
  • You can also use duct tape and sheeting to cover windows if needed
  • Use a towel or sheeting to seal the crack under the door and any vents in the room.
  • Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. 

How does UC Public Safety alert the campus to shelter-in-place?

UC Public Safety and UC Police will utilize several communication tools to instruct you to shelter-in-place. Instructions may vary depending on the type of incident.

  • Building voice notification system
  • Text message (you must provide your cell phone number to UC’s One Stop/Directory Services to receive text messages)
  • Email
  • Electronic signage boards
  • Website
  • Social media – follow @uofcincy and @UCPublicSafety on Twitter