Shelter In Place
For certain incidents like severe weather, staying indoors is safest.
Follow the steps below when you are told to shelter in place.
- Stay indoors and move to a small room with no windows or to a basement/lower level. If outside, enter the nearest building.
Encourage others to follow, but do not put yourself in danger if they decide not to.
- Do not wait until physically seeing a hazard to react.
- Close all doors and windows.
- Call or text your designated emergency contacts to inform them of your location and safety.
- Monitor UMD Alerts, official university communications, and your TV or radio for additional guidance. Wait for an official all-clear from emergency personnel before leaving your space.
Need To Shelter in Your Car?
If the weather is so severe that it is impairing your ability to drive, it is safer to pull over. If you are unable to get indoors quickly and safely, follow this guidance:
- Locate a safe area to stop. Turn off the engine.
- Listen to the radio (WTOP 103.5FM) and check your phone for updates and instructions.
- Stay in your car until you receive an official all-clear from emergency personnel.
- Even after an all-clear, continue listening to the radio and follow further instructions from law enforcement.
NOTE: In the event of a tornado, it is safer to shelter under the car than remain in it.