shelter in place

American  

[shel-ter in pleys] / ˈʃɛl tər ɪn ˈpleɪs /

Or shelter-in-place

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.

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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.

Etymology

Origin of shelter in place

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The US embassy in Mali said it was continuing to "closely monitor" the situation, and told citizens to "shelter in place, remain alert... and avoid areas where security operations may be under way".

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

The US embassy in Mali issued a security alert on its website urging US citizens in and around the capital to "shelter in place".

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

Their decision to order girls to shelter in place on July 4 was “a death sentence,” the complaint states, when safety for Cile and others was just steps away.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Boudreaux urged residents to shelter in place and told parents that children at the schools were safe.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Mission to Mexico on Tuesday lifted its recommendation for American visitors to shelter in place in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, which include the cities of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026