SHELTER – SRP Specific Core Action
SHELTER Action is called when specific protective actions are needed based on a threat or hazard. Training should include response to threats such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hazardous materials situations or other local threats.
Shelter could be within the room a person is in currently in or it could be sheltering in a different location within the building. Examples would be moving to the basement for a tornado or moving to higher floor if it is a flood situation. Other safety strategies may include seal the room, evacuate to a shelter area elsewhere, drop, cover, and hold.
Examples of when a SHELTER Action might be used:
- Tornado
- Severe Weather
- Wildfires
- Flooding
- Hazmat Spill
Who initiates a SHELTER Action?
Collaboration with local responders, the National Weather Service, and other local, regional and state resources will help in developing specific actions for your district response.
Sheltering requires that all students and staff follow response directives. Districts should have procedures for all foreseeable local hazards and threats which include provisions for those individuals with access and functional needs.
PUBLIC ADDRESS
The public address for Shelter should include the hazard and the safety strategy. The public address is repeated twice each time the public address is performed.
“Shelter! For a hazard. Using safety strategy.
Shelter! For a hazard. Using safety strategy.”
For a tornado, an example would be:
“Shelter for a tornado. Go to the tornado shelter.
Shelter for a tornado. Go to the tornado shelter.”
After the danger has passed: “Students and staff, the Shelter is released. All clear. Thank you for your assistance and patience during the Shelter.”
How should we prepare for a SHELTER?
Identification and marking of facility Shelter areas.
- The State of Nebraska requires Tornado (Shelter) drills twice a year (recommended within the first 2 weeks of start of school and within the first 2 weeks of March – typically the start of tornado season).
Using the Shelter Protocol and stating the hazard allows for an understanding of the threat and the associated protective actions. Most often, the Shelter Protocol is utilized for tornadoes and other severe weather, in which case it would include the Shelter location for students and staff, and what protective posture or action they should take.
Sheltering for a hazardous materials spill or release is very different. In the case of a hazmat situation, students and staff would be directed to close their windows, shut down their heating and air conditioning units and seal windows and doors to preserve the good inside air while restricting the entry of any contaminated outside air. Listening to specific directives is critical to successful emergency response.
The Foundation recognizes that localized hazards may need to be added to the poster.
Messaging parents’ examples for a SHELTER:
In a weather event, which is commonly the reason this is used, it’s likely that families are also sheltering. They will want to know their children are in a safe situation. Have a central digital platform that your public information team can easily update, and people can go to for information.
SHELTER (CURRENT)
Email
Subject Line: Safety Notification – Shelter Currently Activated at [School Name]
Dear Parent or Guardian,
[School Name] is currently Sheltering due to [state reason for Shelter]. The safety and well-being of your child is our top priority. We are actively monitoring the situation.
Watch for updates here [link to the platform you’ll be updating]
What is Shelter? *
Text Message
[School Name] is currently Sheltering due to [state reason for Shelter]. Please check your email and voicemail for more information.
Phone Call
Parents, [School Name] is currently Sheltering due to [state reason for Shelter]. The safety and well-being of your child is our top priority. Please check your email for more information. We are actively monitoring the situation and will send updates as necessary.
For additional information download the SRP/SRM Operational Guide.