Emergency Procedures

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Different Types of Emergencies

With adequate planning, we can respond calmly and effectively to emergency situations. Click on the listed topics below to view their instructions.

  • Building Evacuation

    All building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds continuously and/or upon notification by emergency personnel or a CWI Alert 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 area located on each floor of each building. You should become familiar with their location and content. Be prepared to render assistance, if necessary.

    1. Do not use elevators during an emergency evacuation. An elevator may become inoperative and a trap.
    2. 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.
    3. Close but do not lock doors as you leave
    4. 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.

         5. Do not return to an evacuated building until advised by emergency personnel.

  • Earthquake

    During an earthquake:

    1. Remain calm.
    2. If indoors:
    • Seek refuge under a desk or table or in a doorway and hold on.
    • Stay away from windows, shelves, and heavy equipment.
    1. Do not use elevators.  An elevator may become inoperative and a trap.
    2. 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.
    1. 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:

    1. Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are usually less intense than the main quake, but can cause further structural damage.
    2. Protect yourself at all times.
    3. Evaluate the situation and call 911 for emergency assistance, if necessary.
    4. Do not use lanterns, torches, lighted cigarettes, or open flames, since gas leaks could be present
    5. Open windows, etc., to ventilate the building. Watch out for broken glass.
    6. If a fire is caused by the earthquake, implement the Fire Procedures.
    7. Determine if anyone has been trapped in elevators or by falling objects. If so, call 911 and then CWI Security 208.562.3333.
    8. If the structural integrity appears to be deteriorating rapidly, evacuate the building.

  • Explosion

    In the event of an explosion or similar emergency, take the following action:

    1. Evacuate the area as soon as it is safe to do so following established Building Evacuation Procedures.
    2. If evacuation is not possible, immediately take cover under tables, desks, etc., for protection from falling glass or debris.
    • If possible, call 911 then CWI Safety and Security 208.562.3333 to advise of your location for rescue.

  • Crime or Violent Behavior

    Should a violent or criminal act occur, immediately get to a safe place and call 911 for assistance and follow-up when safe with a call to CWI Campus Security. In the spirit of “SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING”, if you encounter a situation on campus involving a suspicious activity or person(s) that are not of an emergency nature, again notify Campus Safety and Security 208.562.3333 so that preventative measures can be taken

    Acts of violence and aggression include verbal or physical actions, whether intentional or reckless, that create fear or apprehension of, or actual bodily harm or threaten the physical safety of a member of our campus community. Examples of such behavior would include:

    1. Any act which is physically assaulting

    2. Behavior or actions that a reasonable person would perceive as having the potential for violence.

    3. Any act that threatens harm to another person or damage to property

    4. Domestic Violence/Dating Violence/Stalking/Sexual Assault/Kidnapping

     

  • 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:

    1. Call 911 then CWI Security 208.562.3333.
    2. If possible, secure the area.
    3. Wait for assistance.
    4. Stay clear of the hostage area. 

    If you are a hostage:

    1. Remain calm.
    2. Speak calmly with the hostage-taker.
    3. Follow the hostage-taker’s instructions.
    4. Do not antagonize or challenge the hostage-taker
    5. Calmly inform the hostage-taker of any special needs of yourself or others.
    6. Keep a distance between yourself and the hostage-taker, if possible.
    7. Do not make any sudden moves; ask permission before moving around.
    8. Try to keep others calm.
    9. Speak to others in a calm voice.
    10. Use time as a tool to defuse the situation.
    11. Wait for help to arrive.
    12. Make mental notes of everything you see and hear.
    13. 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.

  • 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:

         1.    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.
         2.    If you are not trained in responding to chemical spills, leave the area as well.
         3.    Close off the area as much as possible to avoid any exposure.
         4.    Notify Campus Safety and Security 208.562.3333.
                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.
         5.    Notify the lab supervisor who will make the determination of whether or not to call 911.


    When notified of an external environmental hazard:
        1.    Follow Shelter In Place procedures. These will be communicated via the CWI Alert system.
        2.    Monitor local media, 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.
       1.    Check for individuals who may be in need of assistance.
       2.    Report injuries to emergency personnel.

  • Medical Emergency

    Responding EMS in conjunction with the victim will make a decision as to the best course of treatment and or transport to a medical facility. If the medical emergency is not urgent, the individual should be encouraged to seek medical assistance. The victim should report the incident using the Accident/Incident Report found at cwi.edu. Complete and submit the form following the instructions provided, within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident/accident, or as soon as practical.

    In case of an accident, injury, or serious illness:

    1. Assess the situation.

    • Determine whether it is an emergency. 
    • If so, call 911. 
    • If it is not an emergency, assess the situation and call Campus Safety and Security 208.562.3333. 
    • Stay with the person until the proper authorities arrive. 


    2. Provide first aid (per your discretion) and utilize the available first aid kit. 

    • If possible wear personal protective equipment. 
    • Stay with the person until the proper authorities arrive.

    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.

     

  • Suspicious or Dangerous Person

    A suspicious person is one whose actions, behavior, or words cause another to suspect something is wrong (e.g., stalker/kidnapper) and/or when their actions or words make you sense a threat or danger to you, someone else, or to facilities.  

    A dangerous person is anyone who intends to harm himself 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 CWI Security 208.562.3333 or when applicable, call 911.

  • Suspicious Objects/Bomb Threats

    If a suspicious object or potential bomb is discovered:

    1. Do not handle the object.
    2. Evacuate the area.
    3. Call 911 then CWI Security 208.562.3333 and report incident.
    4. Provide the location and appearance of the object when reporting.
    5. Make a list of all people who were in the area when the suspicious item was recognized and provide the list to CWI Security or the police for follow-up actions.

    If a bomb threat has been phoned in, keep the caller talking as long as possible, ask the caller the following questions and record the answers (if possible):

    1. When is the bomb going to explode?
    2. Where is the bomb located?
    3. What kind of bomb is it?
    4. What does it look like?
    5. Why did you place the bomb?
    6. Age and sex of caller?
    7. Speech pattern, accent, possible nationality, etc.
    8. Emotional state of caller?
    9. Background noise?

  • 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 it 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, student services, or human resources as appropriate.

    Immediate and Imminent Threats:

    1.         Report immediate dangers to health and safety at 911.

    2.         Report threats to Campus Security at 208.562.3333 who will conduct an investigation.

    3.         Notify supervisor, administrator, department chairperson, student services or human resources.

  • Tornadoes

    Tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph 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 to radio or television.

    A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted and poses a definite threat to a given area.

    Possible signs of a tornado are:

    1. Dark, often greenish sky.
    2. Large hail.
    3. Loud roar, similar to a train.
    4. Cloud of debris (the tornado may not be visible).
    5. Wind becomes calm and still.
    6. Frequent lightning.
    7. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a storm.

    Before a tornado:

    1. Locate an accessible basement or corridor in your building.
    2. Stay informed through local media sources on days when severe weather is expected.
    3. Obtain a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings.
    4. Keep a reliable flashlight in your office/work area.

    During a tornado:

    1. 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. Be prepared to kneel facing a wall and cover your head.
    2. In high-rise (four stories or more) buildings, vacate the top floor and move to a lower floor or to the basement. Position yourself in an interior corridor away from glass. Be prepared to kneel facing the wall and cover your head.
    3. 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.

    Tune to the Emergency Alert System station on your radio or television for further information. 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 that it is safe to leave.

  • Utility Failure

    The possibility exists for a utility system failure of some nature and magnitude. If you discover a water leak, gas leak or other major utility failure, call CWI Security 208.562.3333. Do not attempt to correct the problem on your own. CWI Security will notify the necessary personnel for further action.

    Electrical/light failure

    At present, 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/water leak

    Cease using all electrical equipment. Call CWI Security 208.562.3333. Provide the information if you know the source of the leak or discover leaking water.

    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 (Most elevators on campus are equipped with an emergency telephone).

    1. Call CWI Security 208.562.3333. 
    2. Never climb out of an elevator when it is stopped between floors.
    3. Elevators have mechanical safety brakes that will operate in all situations, even during power failures.
    4. 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.

  • 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 the administration based on careful consideration of a variety of factors and conditions. 

    1. Notifications will be sent using the CWI Alert which includes notification by email, text, and voice message.
    2. The information will also be posted on CWI’s website at cwi.edu and communicated to the local television and radio stations, and will be periodically updated.
    3. The decision to close the College applies to all campuses, off-campus centers, and sites.
    4. 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.

    The College serves a large area and recognizes that every employee and student has his or her unique circumstances associated with the weather. 

    Employees and students must assume responsibility for their own safety, and must use their own judgment regarding whether they should drive to CWI under varying weather conditions.