"Shelter in Place"

Evening Training Sessions Added

April 15, 2008

Emergency preparedness training continues this month, in advance of a "Shelter in Place/Active Shooter" drill scheduled for April 25.

Evening workshops have been added to the schedule and will be offered from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 and 22, in the Academic Senate Chambers.

"During certain emergency situations, particularly chemical, biological or radiological material releases, some weather emergencies and the threat of imminent danger from a gunman on campus, you may be advised to ‘shelter in place' rather than evacuate," noted Jim Ellis, the university's emergency management coordinator.

A retired fire chief for the city of Costa Mesa, Ellis joined the university in January in an interim capacity, filling the post vacated by Quentin Frazier. Ellis has organized a one-hour informational workshop on how to "shelter in place," which the American Red Cross defines as "take immediate shelter where you are — at home, work, school or in between—usually for just a few hours."

According to Ellis, the training "will prepare faculty, staff and students to seek and hold cover when directed to by University Police, via mass notification systems and public address announcements."

Campus members are encouraged to register online through the Faculty/Staff Portal, by e-mail to vraun@fullerton.edu or by calling 278-3302. In addition, training for large groups or departments can be arranged by contacting Ellis at 278-3572.

Reviewing emergency contact information on file with the university also is encouraged. Faculty and staff members can access this information by logging onto the portal from the university's home page.