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 six known survivors have been "directed to shelter in place as best they can in the conditions," the sheriff added.

From BBC

"Highly skilled rescue ski teams have departed from both Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center to make their way to the six known survivors, who have been directed to shelter in place as best they can in the conditions," the Nevada County Sheriff's department said.

From Barron's

"Shelter in place, lock your doors and refrain from leaving your home or business at this time" local residents were told.

From BBC

Residents in South El Monte were ordered to shelter in place Wednesday afternoon as more than 100 firefighters worked to battle a massive blaze at a warehouse complex that sent a dark plume of smoke into the air and emitted an acrid chemical smell.

From Los Angeles Times

A shelter in place order was issued for residents in the immediate area of South El Monte around 4:40 p.m. and then expanded to include more nearby streets and part of Baldwin Hills.

From Los Angeles Times