shelter in place

or shel·ter-in-place

[ shel-ter in pleys ]

noun

1. an official order, issued during an emergency, that directs people to stay in the indoor place or building that they already occupy and not to leave unless absolutely necessary.

verb (used without object)

1. to stay in a safe indoor place or building during an emergency:

   If police believe there is an active shooter on campus, they will order students and faculty to shelter in place.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shelter in place¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

As authorities determined what to do, Glendale Unified School District officials ordered the high school and nearby La Crescenta Elementary to shelter in place.

From Los Angeles Times

With daylight gone and no helicopter access to the high-altitude area, the pair were told to shelter in place overnight.

From Los Angeles Times

The flames stranded half a dozen boaters, who were forced to shelter in place lakeside, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

He added people should have a plan to shelter in place until Thursday.

From BBC

A former LFB boss previously told the BBC that Grenfell residents were told to shelter in place "for too long".

From BBC