Shelter-in-place Drill

Posted: February 28, 2024

By: Department of Public Safety


Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Get ready to practice safety firsthand! On March 6 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Seattle University will be conducting a crucial shelter-in-place drill. This exercise is designed to prepare our community for potential threats like armed intruders or hazardous materials incidents. Your participation is vital in ensuring everyone's safety during emergencies.

During a shelter-in-place drill, participants are required to seek safe shelter within the building when external conditions pose a threat that makes leaving unsafe. This practice ensures that individuals are prepared to protect themselves in situations where finding a secure location is crucial. By familiarizing ourselves with these procedures, we can swiftly find secure locations during emergencies, ensuring our safety and well-being.

Shelter-in-Place Drill Details 

  • Date & Time: March 6 at 11 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  • Duration: Approximately three minutes
  • Communication: Look out for alerts from Seattle University Emergency Notifications via text, desktop alerts, and e-mail
  • Building Alarms: Will not sound during the drill
  • Card readers: Will briefly switch to controlled access during the drill.

How to Participate 

  1. Seek shelter in a secure location such as your residence, classroom, office or nearby building.
  2. Stay in place until notified by Emergency Notifications that the drill has concluded.
  3. Unlock any locked doors once the drill is over.
  4. Resume your normal activities after receiving confirmation that the drill has ended.

In Case of a Real Event 

  • Armed Intruder:
    RUN: Quickly move away from the threat, know your exits and call 911.
    HIDE: Secure yourself, stay quiet and monitor emergency notifications
    DEFEND: Be prepared to protect yourself if necessary

  • Hazardous Materials Emergency:
    Secure yourself in a room, close windows, seal air inlets, and contact emergency services.

Your safety is our top priority. Let's work together to ensure we are prepared for any situation that may arise. Stay informed, stay safe! To learn more about what to do during an Armed Intruder Incident, refer to our information linked here. For more information on sheltering in place during hazardous materials incidents, please refer to Washington State’s guidelines at Shelter in place-Hazardous materials.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safety.

To sign up for emergency text alerts, text SeattleUAlert to 79516.

- Public Safety