Emergency Response Plans

Level 2: Shelter In-Place

Annex: Shelter In-Place Plan

Department: All Campus Departments

Departmental Emergency Contact: Winthrop University Police Department

A. Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish the procedures to be followed by the student body, faculty, and staff in the event they must stay inside the building or residence hall. Implementation of these procedures whenever necessary should minimize loss of injury and possibly death.

B. Priorities:

In the event sheltering in-place is required, the Winthrop University Police Department will work with University Administration and Residence Life to coordinate the plan. Faculty and staff will be required to assist in assuring student safety.

C. Expectations for Employees and Students:

In the event of a shelter in-place situation, the Winthrop University Police Department will work with University Administration to identify the need for a shelter in-place.

Depending upon local events, the Winthrop University Police Department could be notified by the Emergency Operations Center or other Emergency Personnel and directed to shelter in-place. Following this notification, the Winthrop University Police Department will notify faculty, staff, and students through the ALERTUS Emergency Notification System (buiding beacons and computer monitor pop-up messages). The information provided will give direction on how to respond to the emergency.

D. Communications:

Winthrop University may communicate with the campus community by any of the following means:

  1. ALERTUS Notification System — Beacons within campus buildings, also includes instant messaging system for the campus' networked computers
  2. WU Alert — Blackboard Connect text/SMS and voice messages for all subscribers
  3. E-mail — Messages to faculty/staff/student distribution lists
  4. Web — Updates on www.winthrop.edu and detailed information on www.winthrop.edu/emergency
  5. Campus Alert Line — Recorded message on 803/323-2222 with detailed information, primarily for individuals without access to a mobile device, computer, etc.
  6. Face to Face — Direct contact by emergency responders
  7. Runner — Group contact by individuals moving from area to area
  8. Media — Communication via local radio and television stations

E. Responsibility and Control:

Emergency responders will have total control of the scene. If the situation dictates, the Incident Command System will be used as directed by the National Incident Management System.

The university will also assemble the Critical Incident Management Team to make university-related decisions.

The Winthrop University Police Department will operate an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located in the Facilities Management Operations Center. If the incident requires York County to open the Emergency Operations Center,
the Vice President of Student Affairs or a designee will be represented in the York County EOC and/or will be in continuous communications with the Winthrop EOC.

F. Emergency and Training Plans:

If a situation requires a shelter in-place, take the following action:

  • Stay indoors until officials advise it is safe to go out.
  • Close all windows and exterior doors.
  • Turn off outside ventilation systems (i.e., air conditioning, heat, attic fans, etc.)
  • Go to a basement or a down stairs room without windows or outside doors, if possible.
  • Follow all university emergency information sources.