Shelter in place meaning: What emergency procedure includes

Residents of North Providence, the Rhode Island town, received a shelter in place message from the local police due to an incident on Stephanie Drive and Meadow View Boulevard. A man in his 50s – identified by city mayor Charles Lombardi as Gino Rotundo – is reportedly armed with an AR15 and has barricaded himself inside his home. A female is believed to be inside with him. A shot has been fired so far but nobody is injured, as per the chief Alfredo Ruggiero. 

The shelter in place message tells people to remain indoors after finding a safe location and they are only to evacuate after receiving an ‘all clear’ or other such specific instruction. This message is usually issued in case of an active shooter; tornado; or chemical, radiological, or other hazards. 

For an active shooter situation, it is best to try to barricade the point of entry and check whether the door locks and if it opens inward or outward. In severe weather conditions, it is best to put as many walls as possible between oneself and the outside world, so the basement is the best place to seek shelter. 

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Once the shelter in place message is sent, it is best to keep one’s phone on silent and nearby, to keep an eye on whether an “all clear” message is sent. The door is not to be opened unless the authorities instruct otherwise. 

When sheltering, it is also ideal to go someplace where there is some food and water stocked up, since one might need to remain indoors for a while. 

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People are also advised to choose rooms with fewer windows, avoid overcrowding and spread out. Rooms with mechanical equipment like pipes and ventilation blowers are to be avoided since it may not be possible to seal these from the outside. Large storage closets, utility rooms, and pantries are some good places to shelter in place.