The room clear protocol is a standardized procedure that allows personnel to instruct occupants to quickly leave the area and seek shelter in a secure area. This option allows a staff member or trained volunteer to clear people from an area without creating a general evacuation. Each room or area of the building should have a designated shelter room or buddy room so people know where to go if a room clear is issued.

Room clear may be appropriate when:

• Danger is present within the facility and a room or area cannot be secured.
• There is imminent danger to those in the area.
• An aggressive or disruptive person may endanger others in the area.
• A medical emergency has occurred.
• A general evacuation may increase danger but it is not safe for people to remain in a specific area.