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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Definition of Shelter-in-Place
Since this phrase was news to me, I thought would check-out the official definition of it from our Homeland Ministry of Truth.
Turns out, the definition refers to chemical or biological hazards and must have been borrowed as a means to side-step the term, "martial law". In the official definition from the Ministry, the people were most certainly not following the rules given.
Simon says: Shelter-in-Place
One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency where hazardous materials may have been released into the atmosphere is to shelter-in-place. This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining indoors. (This is not the same thing as going to a shelter in case of a storm.) Shelter-in-place means selecting a small, interior room, with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. It does not mean sealing off your entire home or office building. If you are told to shelter-in-place, follow the instructions provided in this Fact Sheet.
http://www.nationalterroralert.com/shelterinplace/
I guess it might be a good idea to update their site in lieu of the brainchild who decided to expand or revamp the official meaning? I mean, now its confusing, and seems to be arbitrary, especially in light of its constitutional, (and other) implications.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)"NationalTerrorAlert.com is a private homeland security blog and not affiliated with any government agency."
Newest Reality
(12,712 posts)The terminology has a specific meaning and was not really applicable to a simple request to voluntarily "stay where you are", "stay indoors", "do not go outside", or other phrases we have heard in the past.
Why confuse people when dealing with such serious situations?
CDC:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/planning/shelteringfacts.asp
Homeland Security:
http://www.ready.gov/shelter
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)Shelter in place is not and has never been a term defined as you claim. It is not limited to any specific sorts of threats, it is not a term about what to do, not about why you are doing it. You want 'martial law' to mean 'advised to remain in place' but it does not. You want shelter in place to mean 'hide from gas or chemicals' but it does not.
Your OP linked to a website and went on and on about how 'they need to change the language' but the link was not to the 'they' you speak of. I'd recommend direct sources for things you wish to criticize, just to avoid the impression of editorializing. Your language is unclear in a post in which you take on the role of language clarity expert. It does not help you make your case.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)does not define shelter in place as you did in the OP, it says this:
"There may be situations, depending on your circumstances and the nature of the disaster, when it's simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside by sheltering in place."
It does not tie the term to specific dangers as you insisted in your OP.
Boston was not looking confused. I'm not confused. It is you who is offering post fact confusion to the whole thing. It is you who is using terms and words in ways that are not accurate. And that's just boring.