View the information and instructions below for how to calmly and effectively respond to emergency situations at College of Western Idaho (CWI).
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Building Evacuation
All building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds continuously and/or upon notification by emergency personnel or a CWI Alerts message. If necessary, activate the building alarm. Be aware of people with disabilities in your area who might require assistance in an emergency evacuation. Building evacuation maps are located on each floor of each building. You should become familiar with their location and content. Be prepared to render assistance, if necessary.
- Do not use elevators during an emergency evacuation. An elevator may become inoperative and a trap.
- When the building evacuation alarm sounds or when you are told to leave by a designated emergency official, walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
- Close, but do not lock, doors as you leave.
- Once you are outside:
- Move clear of the building allowing others to exit.
- Move to your assigned safe assembly area as designated on the evacuation maps, or at least 100 feet from the building.
- Do not block any roads or fire lanes, and stay out of the way of emergency vehicles.
- Do not leave the area without informing the designated building administrator/floor captain.
- Do not return to an evacuated building until advised by emergency personnel.
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Earthquake
During an Earthquake
- Remain calm.
- Do not use elevators. An elevator may become inoperative and a trap.
- If indoors:
- Seek refuge under a desk or table or in a doorway and hold on.
- Stay away from windows, shelves, and heavy equipment.
- If outdoors:
- Move quickly away from buildings, utility poles, overhead wires, and other structures.
- Avoid downed power or utility lines as they may be energized.
- Do not attempt to enter buildings until you are advised to do so by the proper authorities.
- If in an automobile:
- Stop in the safest place available as quickly as safety permits, preferably in an open area away from power lines and trees.
- Stay in the vehicle for the shelter it provides.
After the Initial Shock
- Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are usually less intense than the main quake, but can cause further structural damage.
- Protect yourself at all times.
- Evaluate the situation. Call 911 for emergency assistance, if necessary.
- Do not use lanterns, torches, lighted cigarettes, or open flames, since gas leaks could be present
- Open windows to ventilate the building. Watch out for broken glass.
- If a fire is caused by the earthquake, implement fire evacuation procedures.
- If anyone has been trapped in elevators or by falling objects, call 911 and Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
- If the structural integrity appears to be deteriorating rapidly, evacuate the building.
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Explosion
In the event of an explosion or similar emergency, take the following action:
- Evacuate the area as soon as it is safe to do so following established Building Evacuation Procedures.
- If evacuation is not possible, immediately take cover under tables, desks, etc., for protection from falling glass or debris.
- If possible, call 911 then Campus Security at 208.562.3333 to advise of your location for rescue.
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Crime or Violent Behavior
Should a violent or criminal act occur:
- Immediately get to a safe place, and call 911 for assistance.
- When it is safe to do so, inform Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
If you see something, say something. If you encounter a situation on campus involving a suspicious activity or person(s) that is not of an emergency nature, notify Campus Security at 208.562.3333 so preventative measures may be taken.
Acts of violence and aggression include verbal or physical actions, whether intentional or reckless, that create fear, apprehension of, or actual bodily harm or threaten the physical safety of a member of our campus community. Examples of such behavior would include:
- any act which is physically assaulting
- behavior or actions that a reasonable person would perceive as having the potential for violence
- any act that threatens harm to another person or damage to property
- domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, or kidnapping
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Hostage Situations
Hostage situations must be carefully surveyed and evaluated. The safety of hostage(s), facility, employees, students, and others is the most important consideration in any hostage situation.
If you are a witness
- Call 911, then Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
- If possible, secure the area.
- Wait for assistance.
- Stay clear of the hostage area.
If you are a hostage
- Remain calm.
- Speak calmly with the hostage-taker.
- Follow the hostage-taker’s instructions.
- Do not antagonize or challenge the hostage-taker.
- Calmly inform the hostage-taker of any special needs of yourself or others.
- Keep a distance between yourself and the hostage-taker, if possible.
- Do not make any sudden moves. Ask permission before moving around.
- Try to keep others calm.
- Speak to others in a calm voice.
- Use time as a tool to defuse the situation.
- Wait for help to arrive.
- Make mental notes of everything you see and hear.
- Do exactly as instructed by rescuers when they arrive. This may include being treated as a suspected hostage-taker, as they sometimes attempt to disguise themselves as hostages. These actions are to protect hostages and ensure everyone is evacuated safely.
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Hazardous Materials Spills
Location, quantity, concentration, and other factors affect how a spill will be handled. All laboratory personnel should be prepared to assist with hazardous material spills within the building and their area. Steps should be taken to restrain all chemical containers and gas cylinders against the effects of a natural disaster.
In the event of an unknown hazardous material spill:
- Alert others in the area about the spill tell them to leave the area for a small spill or leave the building for a large spill.
- If you are not trained in responding to chemical spills, leave the area.
- Close off the area as much as possible to avoid any exposure.
- Notify Campus Security at 208.562.3333 and provide the following:
- location of the spill
- name and type of chemical, if possible
- quantity of chemical, if possible
- extent of the problem
- your name
- phone number from which you are calling
- your location
- Notify the lab supervisor who will make the determination of whether or not to call 911.
When notified of an external environmental hazard:
- Follow the shelter in place procedures communicated via the CWI Alerts system.
- Monitor local media, the CWI website, and the Internet for updates, instructions, and recommended actions.
If a mass evacuation or relocation order is issued, await instructions by emergency responders, and follow the instructions exactly as provided.
- Check for individuals who may be in need of assistance.
- Report injuries to emergency personnel.
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Medical Emergency
In the event of a medical emergency, responding emergency personnel, in conjunction with the victim, will make a decision as to the best course of treatment and whether or not to transport to a medical facility. If the medical emergency is not urgent, the individual will be encouraged to seek medical assistance and report the incident to CWI within 24 hours.
In case of an accident, injury, or serious illness:
- Assess the situation.
- If it is an emergency, call 911.
- If it is not an emergency, call Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
- Stay with the person until the proper authorities arrive.
- Provide first aid, as needed and per your discretion, using a campus first aid kit.
- If possible, wear personal protective equipment.
AED
Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are located inside buildings and are within walking distance from any location on campus. Please refer to the building evacuation maps for the locations of the AEDs.
AEDs are available as an optional response to a life-threatening cardiac event. With their simple audio and visual commands, the units are designed to be simple to use for these events. For those who may be interested in familiarizing themselves with these units, review the Automated External Defibrillator Demonstration.
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Suspicious or Dangerous Person
A suspicious person is one whose actions, behavior, or words cause another to suspect something is wrong or make you sense a threat or danger to you, someone else, or to facilities.
A dangerous person is anyone who intends to harm him or herself, another person, or the facilities on campus (student, faculty, administrators, staff, and/or authorized visitor) or an unauthorized person. Immediately report suspicious or dangerous persons to Campus Security at 208.562.3333 or, when applicable, call 911.
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Suspicious Objects/Bomb Threats
If a suspicious object or potential bomb is discovered:
- Do not handle the object.
- Evacuate the area.
- Call 911 then Campus Security at 208.562.3333 to report the incident.
- Provide the location and appearance of the object when reporting.
- Make a list of all people who were in the area when the suspicious item was recognized, and provide the list to Campus Security or the police for follow-up actions.
If a bomb threat has been phoned in, keep the caller talking as long as possible asking them the following questions. Record the caller's answers, if possible..
- When is the bomb going to explode?
- Where is the bomb located?
- What kind of bomb is it?
- What does it look like?
- Why did you place the bomb?
Gather additional information such as:
- age and sex of caller
- speech pattern, accent, possible nationality, etc.
- emotional state of caller
- and any background noise.
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Threat Reporting
Everyone is responsible for reporting threats they have witnessed, received, or have been informed of that another third part witnessed or received. Absent an actual threat, any observed behavior regarded as threatening or violent, when that behavior is school related or might be carried out on campus or other location controlled by CWI or is connected to CWI employment, should be reported.
Occasionally, an individual’s behavior or demeanor may cause fear or concern. In such cases, it is important to tell someone in authority so the behavior can be documented, evaluated, and handled appropriately. If a member of the campus community is concerned about a threat or violence, they should document the reason for their concern and discuss it with their supervisor, administrator, department chairperson, Campus Security, or Human Resources as appropriate.
For immediate and imminent threats:
- Call 911 to report immediate dangers to health and safety.
- Report threats to Campus Security at 208.562.3333 so they can conduct an investigation.
- Notify supervisor, administrator, department chairperson, or Human Resources.
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Tornadoes
Tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 miles per hour or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Tornados may occur with little or no advance warning or siren activation.
A tornado watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes in a given area. Under these conditions, keep informed by listening for alerts on the radio or television.
A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted and poses a definite threat to a given area.
Tornado Signs
- dark, often greenish sky
- large hail
- loud roar, similar to a train
- cloud of debris (the tornado may not be visible)
- wind becomes calm and still
- frequent lightning
- formation near the trailing edge of a storm
Before a Tornado
- Locate an accessible basement or corridor in your building.
- Stay informed through local media sources on days when severe weather is expected.
- Obtain a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings.
- Keep a reliable flashlight in your office/work area.
During a Tornado
- Proceed to the basement of any building that has a basement or sub walk. Position yourself in the safest portion of the area away from glass. Kneel facing a wall, and cover your head.
- In high-rise buildings four stories or more, vacate the top floor and move to a lower floor or to the basement. Position yourself in an interior corridor away from glass. Kneel facing the wall, and cover your head.
- Occupants of wood-frame or brick buildings with wood floors should leave the building and go directly to a more substantial concrete building, preferably with a basement.
- Remain in place until police, fire, or other emergency response officials tell you it is safe to leave or until information is announced through radio or television broadcasts alerting you of safety.
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Utility Failure
If you discover a water leak, gas leak, or other major utility failure, call Campus Security at 208.562.3333. Do not attempt to correct the problem on your own. Necessary personnel will be notified for further action.
Electrical or lighting failure
Some buildings may not be equipped with emergency lighting or the emergency lighting may not provide sufficient illumination for safe exiting. It is recommended that you consider keeping a flashlight in your office/work area.
Plumbing failure, flood, or water leak
- Cease using all electrical equipment.
- Call Campus Security at 208.562.3333 and provide relevant information.
Elevator failure
If you become trapped in an elevator, use the emergency telephone or activate the elevator emergency bell within the elevator car.
If you hear an elevator bell, please take the following actions:
- Call Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
- Never climb out of an elevator when it is stopped between floors.
- Elevators have mechanical safety brakes that will operate in all situations, even during power failures.
- The activation of an elevator lobby smoke detector will cause building elevators to return non-stop to the main floor and lock with the doors open.
Never use an elevator to evacuate a building.
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Winter Storms
The College will make every attempt to maintain normal operations for the benefit of its students, faculty, and staff. Severe weather conditions may require the College to close for a period of time. The decision to close campus and cancel classes is made by administration based on careful consideration of a variety of factors and conditions.
- Notifications will be sent using the CWI Alerts system which includes notification by email, text, and voice message.
- The information will also be posted on CWI’s website, communicated to the local television and radio stations, periodically updated.
- The decision to close the College applies to all campuses, off-campus centers, and sites.
- Every effort will be made to ensure decisions on morning closures are communicated by 6:30 a.m., and decisions to close for night classes are communicated by 3:30 p.m.
CWI recognizes every employee and student has his or her unique circumstances associated with weather conditions. Each individual must assume personal responsibility for their safety and use their own judgment regarding whether they should drive to CWI under varying weather conditions.