Emergencies

In the event of a major of life threatening emergency on campus: 

• Call 911, and follow any instructions received.
• State, "This is an emergency," then give the dispatcher the following information:
  • Nature of the emergency
  • Your name
  • Phone number from which you are calling
  • Your location
• Do not hang up until you are sure no further information is needed.
• If possible, also notify Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
• Complete an Accident/Incident Report with Risk Management within 24 hours.

CWI recognizes that individuals with disabilities may require assistance with alerting, evacuating, and sheltering in the
event of an emergency. An individual needing or desiring special assistance in an emergency should self-identify
themselves.

• Students should contact Student Disability Services, and employees should contact Human Resources to identify prior to an emergency.
• Once an individual has self-identified, Student Affairs, Human Resources, and Environmental Safety and Health will work with the individual to develop a personal emergency plan that includes specific evacuation procedures, sheltering procedures, and means of communication in the event of an emergency.
• A copy of the plan will be maintained in the students/employee’s personnel file.

Pre-Emergency Preparedness by the Student/Staff Member with a Disability

• Discuss your concerns and options. CWI will assist in the development of your safety plan and engage appropriate campus partners in that support.
• Bring to the attention of your faculty/staff members the extent of assistance that you may need in case of an emergency. It is your responsibility to make your needs known.
• Become familiar with all emergency exits and evacuation routes in the buildings that you frequent.
• If you have difficulty speaking loudly or have a voice/speech impairment, you should carry a device or have other means of attracting attention from others.

Elevators should NOT be used in an evacuation unless instructed by emergency personnel.

• In the event of an evacuation, individuals who are unable to exit the building on their own should remain near the stairwell or the elevator called “Area for Evacuation Assistance.” These areas are marked on building evacuation maps. Emergency personnel will check these areas, for those who are there or trapped.
• Don’t be afraid to let others know when you need assistance.
• Before giving assistance to a person with disabilities, ask the person how you can help.

Mobility Impairment

• A wheelchair evacuation should only be attempted by a trained professional or unless it becomes necessary as a last resort in a life-threatening situation.
• If located on an upper floor, individuals may be assisted to a stairwell landing (Area for Evacuation Assistance) to await evacuation or further instructions from emergency response personnel.
• If individuals can walk with assistance, a “buddy” should accompany the individual.
• Notify emergency response personnel of the location of the person and the type of assistance needed.
• Ensure a clear path of travel for the individual. Move debris or obstacles if possible.

Blindness or Visual Impairment

• The person with a disability should wait for assistance form someone who can act as guide.
• If possible, someone should follow from behind to protect the individual from being pushed down in a crowd.
• Tell the person the nature of the emergency and its location and offer to guide the individual by offering an elbow. Do NOT grasp a visually impaired persons’ arm.
• The person assisting should give verbal instructions as to where they are and advise of any obstacles as they evacuate the building.
• Once at a safe location, orient the individual as to the location and inquire if any further assistance is needed before leaving the location.

Deafness or Hearing Impairment

• Depending on the level of hearing impairment, individuals with impaired hearing may or may not be able to hear an emergency alarm. Most fire alarms under current code also must have a flashing strobe light for that reason.
• An alternative warning technique may be used to gain the attention of such individuals. Using hand gestures, pointing to the flashing light or the use of written notes should be used to describe the emergency.

If the person with a disability has a service animal, let the person with the disability control the animal. Do not separate the animal from the disabled person.

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.
  • Determine whether it is an emergency. If so, call 911.
  • If it is not an emergency, call Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
• Provide first aid, as needed and per your discretion, using a campus first aid kit.
• If possible, wear personal protective equipment.
• Stay with the person until the proper authorities arrive.

AED

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a medical condition in which the heartbeat stops abruptly and unexpectedly. SCA if fatal if not treated within minutes. Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are available as an optional response to a life-threatening cardiac event. 

• An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. The shock can potentially stop an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and allow a normal heart rhythm to resume following SCA.
• AEDs 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 equipped with the following:

• Scissors
• Razor
• Cleaning pads
• Rubber Gloves

Considerations prior to operating an AED:

• An AED should not be used on a person w ho is responsive or on infants or children.
• Unresponsive individuals in cardiac arrest will be breathing normally.
• Check for breathing looking at the chest to see if it rises and falls.
• Clothing must be removed and chest hair may need to be shaved from an individual's chest prior to using the AED.
• CPR should be performed, if needed.

After operating an AED:

• If the individual is breathing, you do not need to perform CPR.
• Press the i-button on the AED w hen flashing for coaching on how to perform CPR.
• Leave the AED pads on, and tend to the patient until EMS arrive.
• If another shock is needed, the AED w ill give you step-by-step instructions.
• When EMS arrives, they will take over caring for the patient.
• Be prepared to explain what has happened.
• Hold down the i-button on the AED until it beeps for a report on the number of shocks given and length of time the device was active.
• Once care is transferred to EMS, turn off the AED by pressing and holding down the green on/off button.
• Contact Campus Security at 208.562.3333 to remove the AED from service.
   

AED Demonstration Video

Bodily fluid precautions should be considered during emergency response and first aid treatment. All bodily fluids (blood, vomit, urine, feces, saliva, etc.) have the potential to infect people with diseases such as Hepatitis A, B, and/or C, as well as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A “Bodily Fluid Spill Kit” should be located next to or in the first aid kits.

Take special precautions when dealing with bodily fluids:

• Call Campus Security at 208.562.3333 to arrange for safe clean up and disposal procedures.
• Avoid getting another person’s fluids in your eyes, mouth, open sores, or wounds.
• If exposed, rinse the affected area immediately and wash with soap and water.
• Promptly report the exposure to your immediate supervisor.
• If a spill of blood or body fluid contaminates clothing, furniture, or anything else, securely isolate those items to prevent exposure to unknowing persons in the area.
• Secure the area so that others do not become contaminated.

In all cases, when a student, faculty, staff, or visitor becomes aware of fire and/or smoke, the fire department MUST be notified immediately.

Before a Fire

• Be familiar with the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and fire alarm pull station systems.
• Be familiar with your building evacuation maps.

During a Fire

In case of a fire, and if safe to do so:

• Activate the nearest fire alarm at the pull station, or shout “FIRE” as you evacuate the building.
• Call 911 and then Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
• Evacuate the building following the established Building Evacuation Procedures.
  • Walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
  • Do not use elevators during an emergency evacuation. An elevator may become inoperative and a trap.
  • Stay low to the ground, especially if smoke is present.
• Attempt rescue efforts ONLY if there is no immediate danger to you.
  • Stop, drop, and roll any person whose clothing has caught fire.
  • Smother the flames on a person by wrapping them in a heavy fabric and rolling them on the ground.
• Attempt to extinguish a fire ONLY if there is no immediate danger to you.
  • To use a fire extinguisher:
    • Pull safety pin from handle.
    • Aim at base of the fire(s).
    • Squeeze the trigger handle.
    • Sweep from side to side.
• Do not re-enter the building until the “ALL CLEAR” is given by the fire department or Campus Security.

If you become trapped in a building during a fire:

• Stay calm and take steps to protect yourself.
• If possible, move to a room with an outside window.
• Call 911 and notify them of your location and situation. Do this even if you can see fire department personnel from the window.
• Stay where rescuers can see you through the window and wave a light-colored item to attract their attention.
• Stuff clothing, towels, or material around the cracks in the door to help keep smoke out of your refuge.
• Be patient. Rescue of occupants within large structures will take time.

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. They should also be familiar with the provision of the chemical hygiene plan.

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 local media 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.

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.

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. Call Campus Security at 208.562.3333 if you need an escort from the building. 

Plumbing failure, flood, or water leak

• Cease using all electrical equipment.
• Call Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
• Provide information if you know the source of the leak or discover leaking water.
• Attempt to isolate the area so others do not enter.

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.

CWI is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free from criminal acts and/or violent behavior.

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.

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.

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.

The threat of suicide should never be taken lightly. If someone threatens suicide or manifests other self-destructive behaviors, a student, faculty or staff member's reaction and responsiveness could result in a positive crisis resolution.

Successful intervention involves establishing a supportive relationship with the individual.

Ways to help a person who may be suicidal:

• Stay calm.
• Talk openly and freely and ask direct questions about the individual's intention.
• Listen to what is said and treat it seriously.
  • Do not argue, debate, or lecture about whether or not suicide is right or wrong.
  • Do not promise to keep it a secret.
  • Do not offer platitudes or simple answers.
  • Do not challenge the individual or use scare tactics.
• Do not leave the individual alone.
• Get help for the individual by contacting the following:
  • Call 988, the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline. They will dispatch a mobile crisis team if needed.
  • Students: Counseling and Wellness Services
  • Employees: Human Resources

If someone threatens or attempts suicide on campus:

• If someone threatens suicide, call 988, the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline, and notify Counseling and Wellness Services or Campus Safety and Security.
• If someone has attempted suicide, immediately call 911, then reach out to Counseling and Wellness Services and Campus Safety and Security.
• DO NOT LEAVE the person alone.
• Try to remove the individual calmly but firmly from immediate means of hurting him/herself.
• If the individual has a weapon, do not try to take it physically or through force. Alert emergency responders.
• Keep the area off limits and isolated until Campus Safety and Security, emergency medical personnel, and/or police arrive.
• Render first aid, if necessary.
• Witnesses should be directed to stay in the area in case police or emergency services personnel need further information.
• Submit a Student of Concern Referral.

All bomb threats must be treated as a serious matter. To ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and the general public, bomb threats must be considered real until proven otherwise. In most cases, bomb threats are meant to disrupt normal activities.

If a suspicious object or potential bomb is discovered:

• Do not handle the object.
• Evacuate the area.
• Call 911 from a safe distance 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, remain calm. Keep the caller talking as long as possible. Ask them the following questions, and record the answers: 

• 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.
• Any background noise.

If possible, have another person call 911 then Campus Security at 208.562.3333 while you are talking to the caller. 

The safety of our campus community is a high priority. CWI will take appropriate action to determine the whereabouts/status of individuals who based upon the facts and circumstances known to the College are determined to be missing. Most missing person reports in a college environment results from individuals changing their routines without informing their friends, colleagues, or family of the change.

Anyone who believes a person is missing should contact the Dean of Students (for students) or Human Resources (for
employees). Every report made to the College will be followed up with an immediate investigation. Campus Safety and Security will assist the Dean of Students or Human Resources as circumstances dictate.

When reporting a possible missing person, the following information should be provided by the reporting party:

• Name and relationship of the person making the report.
• The date, time, and location where the missing person was last seen.
• The general routine or habits of the suspected missing person.
• Any friends, family or coworkers that may have knowledge of the person’s whereabouts.
• The missing person’s cell phone number and any personal email addresses, if known.

Upon notification a person might be missing, CWI will use a number of resources to assist in locating the individual. Once all information is collected and all available leads are followed, CWI may contact the appropriate agency to conduct a welfare check on the individual or open a missing persons case if appropriate. If any indication of foul play is generated during the CWI internal inquiry, the appropriate police agency will be contacted immediately. 

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.

A college is a diverse environment and should serve as a forum for the expression of views within the limitations of lawful
conduct. 

Peaceful, Non-Disruptive Demonstrations

• Contact Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
• Demonstrations of this kind should not be obstructed or provoked.
• Efforts should be made to conduct college business as normally as possible.

Non-Violent, Disruptive Demonstrations

• Contact Campus Security at 208.562.3333.
• The College administration will be responsible for notifying demonstrators disruptive conduct will not be
  tolerated.
• Demonstrators who persist in the disruptive activity will be notified that their actions may result in disciplinary
  action including suspension, expulsion, or possible intervention by Campus Security or local law enforcement.
• If the disruptive activities continue, college administration will notify local law enforcement for assistance.

Violent, Disruptive Demonstrations

• In the event of a violent demonstration, where injury to persons or damage to property appears imminent, call 911 then Campus Security at 208.562.3333.

If demonstrators move into a building, do not provoke them in any way. Attempt to secure yourself in an office or classroom. Call Campus Security at 208.562.3333 and be on the lookout for additional information in case a lockdown or lockout is called.

CWI is committed to providing a safe learning/work environment free from violence or threats of violence. CWI will not tolerate any form of violence in the learning/workspace including verbal or physical threats.

A threat is defined as any statement or action which clearly communicates or which a reasonable person would interpret as, a threat or intent to commit an act of violence regardless of the method of communication. CWI has established a Threat Assessment Team to formalize the process by which CWI addresses real and possible threats to students, employees, and/or property.

• If the threat constitutes an emergency involving the imminent threat of bodily harm, the victim should call 911 and Campus Security at 208.562.333 immediately.
• If the threat is not an emergent nature and involves a student, a Student Misconduct Form should be submitted to the Dean of Students.
• If the non-emergent threat involves an employee, Human Resources should be contacted. 

CWI will follow recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the appropriate health district. CWI will utilize the CWI Alerts Messaging System, CWI webpage, and/or special pandemic dashboards to share information about health hazards, control measures, and the impact they will have on campus operations. Specific pandemic work groups will be established as needed.

Early Stages of a Pandemic

Awareness and training efforts to reinforce key prevention measures to control the spread of disease:

• Monitor campus updates for information on vaccinations, precautions, and policy/procedure changes that result from a flu/pandemic outbreak on campus.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially before eating and after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough into your shirtsleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Do not share your food, drink, or utensils with others.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. Onset of symptoms can take up to three (3) days after you have been exposed to a virus.
• If you become sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others until you have been symptom free for 24 hours. A mild, lingering cough may occur and, if there are no other flu symptoms, this should not prevent proceeding with your normal activities.

Progression of Pandemic

The campus may institute other procedures to limit the spread of disease such as:

• Social distancing procedures which may include restricting face to face meetings in favor of alternate communication means, restrictions on public gatherings, increase the use of remote delivery of instruction and telecommuting, and other procedures that reduce exposure.
• Travel restrictions and cancellations based on warnings from the U.S. State Department travel advisory system.
• Additional procedures and protocols such as availability of sanitization and protective equipment and supplies, additional sanitization/cleaning protocols for the facility and individuals, and the utilization of contact tracing may be implemented depending upon the effects of the pandemic on the campus community.
• Finally, it may become necessary to suspend campus operations and critical support functions until the threat has passed.