Shelter-in-place simply means that in certain emergency situations, it will be necessary to immediately secure students and staff indoors.

Shelter-in-place:

• is an enhanced level of Code Blue
• will be used in the event of a chemical, biological or radiological incident
• may be used for weather-related emergencies

The nature and duration of the shelter-in-place will be determined by the emergency situation, public safety officials and/or MCPS officials.

Procedures:

Upon notification, the following immediate and simultaneous actions will take place:

• Initiate Code Blue (enhanced)
• Assemble OSET members (and other available staff as needed)
• HVAC emergency ventilation shut-down
• Secure and lock all exterior doors & windows
• Announcements will be made regarding Code Blue/Shelter-in-Place
• Ignore fire alarm; establish fire watch
• Disregard bells
• OSET will supervise movement in hallways (restrooms, health room, etc)
• Students/staff outdoors will immediately be brought into the building
• People arriving during the initial phase should be brought into building
• Individuals arriving after the initial shelter-in-place will be directed to a safe area of refuge by public safety officials.
• Access to any potentially exposed individuals will be denied until public safety officials advise differently.
• Hold students in current locations until best course of action can be taken
• Communications with public safety & MCPS officials maintained
• Announcement will be made when shelter-in-place is concluded
• Prepare for parent/child reunification

A chemical incident is defined as the release of toxic industrial chemicals and/or other agents that are capable of causing bodily harm or death.

A biological incident is defined as the release of bacteria, viruses, and/or toxins that are capable of causing bodily harm or death.

A radiological incident is defined as the release, exposure to, and/or dispersal of radioactive materials that are capable of causing bodily harm or death.

Notification of a chemical, biological or radiological incident may come via:

• First-hand observation/knowledge of an immediate hazard
• Public safety personnel
• MCPS officials
• Media sources

Shelter-in-Place / Enhanced Code Blue put in place

Potential exposure issues:

• Notify office immediately
• Individuals who have been exposed while in any classrooms should remain in place until fire and rescue personnel provide assistance.
• If there is a reason to believe that an individual has been exposed to a hazardous material, they should be isolated until receiving further directions from public safety.