"Shelter in Place" During April

University Police Host Training Prior to Exercise

April 2, 2008

Emergency preparedness training is offered this month for campus members in advance of a “Shelter in Place/Active Shooter” drill scheduled for April 25.

“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.”

Various times are offered for sessions scheduled on the next two Mondays. All workshops will be held in the Academic Senate Chambers, north of the Titan Bookstore.

April 7:        
9-10 a.m.
10:30-11:30 a.m.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
3-4 p.m.
 
April 14:    
9-10 a.m.
10:30-11:30 a.m.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
3-4 p.m.

Campus members are encouraged to sign up now and can register for the training 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, who also welcomes questions, at 278-3572.