Safety Procedures - North Idaho College

When to call 911 and campus security at (208) 769-3310

When life/property are in immediate danger
When you see smoke or a fire
When you see a crime being committed
When rescue or emergency medical assistance is needed

When not to call 911

Never call 911 as a joke.
Do not dial 911 for information, such as road or weather conditions, powers outages or directions.

How to call 911

Dial 911.
Give the operator the nature of the emergency.
Give the exact location and cross street.
Give the telephone number from which you are calling.
DO NOT HANG UP!

Biohazards most likely to be encountered will be body fluids such as blood, vomit or semen. These fluids could contain pathogens such as bacteria or viruses that can cause disease. If human blood and/or body fluids are encountered:

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN UP

Contact your supervisor, notify facilities Operations at (208) 769-3413 and Campus Security at (208) 769-3310. After hours notify Campus Security at (208) 769-3310.

Secure the area to the best of your ability without touching anything contaminated. A trained staff member will assess the need for clean-up.

If direct skin contact with blood/body fluids does occur, immediately wash the affected skin with hot water and soap, and report it to your supervisor.

If the skin area is intact (no cuts, abrasions, etc.) this not considered and “exposure” and there is no danger of being infected with a pathogen.

Although there are several possible pathways of transmission when considering exposure to bodily fluids, the most probable would be ingestion/absorption (typically through broken skin or mucous membrane).

If there has been an exposure through one of these pathways or if one feels there was an exposure through another means of transmission a post-exposure evaluation should be preformed immediately.

Campus personnel who injure themselves and cause a blood spill should clean up the spill themselves, if possible, with a 10% bleach solution.

Complete an Incident Report form for any accident or injury, no matter how slight and forward it within 24 hours to Facilities Operations and Campus Security.

If you receive a telephone threat:

REMAIN CALM.
Try to get the attention of other staff members to help you.
Follow instructions on the Bomb Threat Procedure Checklist
Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest. Try to keep the caller talking so that you can gather more information.
After you hang up from the caller, dial 911 immediately to report the threat.
Immediately check your workspace and the areas with which you are the most familiar. If any suspicious object or package is noted, DO NOT TOUCH IT and keep others away. Notify Campus Security at (208) 769-3310.
Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist on both sides as quickly as possible.
If evacuation is ordered, proceed to the appropriate assembly area.

If you receive a written threat or suspicious parcel or if you find a suspicious object anywhere on the premises:

DO NOT TOUCH THE ITEM AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY.
Call 911 immediately and call campus Security at (208) 769-3310.
If evacuation is ordered, proceed to the appropriate assembly area.
Promptly write down everything you can remember about receiving the letter or parcel or finding the object. Law enforcement investigators will need this information.
Remain Calm. Do not discuss the threat with other staff members. Do not spread rumors.

Explosions may be accidental or deliberate and can be caused by chemicals, natural gas, propane, high pressure steam or an explosive device.

If you see or hear an explosion:

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and call Campus Security at (208) 769-3310.
Be prepared for possible further explosions.
Leave the area if possible.
If unable to leave, take cover under a table or desk or in a windowless interior room such as a restroom
Stay away from windows, mirrors, overhead fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases, heavy objects, and electrical equipment
If evacuation is ordered, proceed to the appropriate assembly area
Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in obvious, immediate danger
Open doors carefully. Watch for falling objects.
Do not use elevators
Do not use matches or lighters
Be prepared for fire or power failures to follow explosions

When confronted with a problem person:

Get assistance from a colleague and call 911 and then call Campus Security at (208) 769-3310 if there is any doubt about your personal safety or the safety of those around you. If the person verbalizes or engages in physical violence, have someone call 911 immediately.
Be calm and polite but firm. Maintain on outward appearance of composure. This helps to defuse tension.
Separate the person from others but remain in the public eye. Get help from other staff. Do not take the person or allow yourself to be taken to a private area.
Be aware of your surroundings. Do not let the person put you into a corner or others position from which you can’t flee. Keep the person at least a leg-length away so they can’t reach you.
Be realistic and know your own ability to protect yourself.
Evaluate the situation and think carefully before responding.
Try to remain attentive, concerned and avoid using a tone of voice which is loud, condescending or moralistic. Empathize with the person and acknowledge their feelings.
Listen carefully for clues as to the person’s motivation and likely causes of behavior.
Do not physically touch, crowd or confront the person.

Immediately complete an Incident Report form with Campus Security.

Earthquakes do happen in Idaho and can happen here at any time at various magnitudes. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake, before strong shaking knocks you down—or drops something on you.

If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, then Drop, Cover and Hold On:

DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings in Idaho you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops.

If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, you should find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay there until the shaking stops.
If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.

Ground shaking during an earthquake is seldom the cause of injury. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass and falling objects. It is extremely important for a person to move as little as possible to reach the place of safety he or she has identified because most injuries occur when people try to move more than a short distance during the shaking.

Look around you now, before an earthquake. Identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall in your home, office, or school so that when the shaking starts you can respond quickly. An immediate response to move to the safe place can save lives. And that safe place should be within a few steps to avoid injury from flying debris.

Watch When the Earth Shakes by Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills for a quick visual resource describing the steps above.

If you observe fire or smoke:

Determine the location of the fire and what may be burning.
Call 911. Provide your name and the location of the fire. If in a safe location, stay on the line with the dispatcher until they tell you to hang up.
If you hear the evacuation alarm, proceed to the appropriate assembly area.
If the fire is small, you may attempt to put it out with a fire extinguisher if you have been properly trained. Do not jeopardize your personal safety. All fires, no matter how small, must be reported to Campus Security at (208) 769-3310 immediately.
Evacuate your area if you are unable to put out the fire. Close the doors behind you to confine the fire. Proceed to the appropriate assembly area.
Know alternate exits from your work area. Never allow the fire to come between you and the exit.
Before opening the door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob and the crack between the door and the doorframe. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. If the door is hot, or if smoke is visible, do not open the door. If you have to move through a burning or smoke filled area, stay low to the ground or crawl. Use a damp cloth to breathe through if it is available.
Do not break a window unless it is the ONLY means of escape. Oxygen feeds a fire.
If you are in a room and cannot escape. Leave the door closed, stay low to the floor and hang a white or light-colored cloth in an outside window.
Do not use elevators.
Do not attempt to save possessions at the risk of person injury.
Do not return to the area until instructed to do so by a public safety official.

Mobility Disability Areas of Refuge and Shelter in Places

Persons using wheelchairs should move to areas of refuge if available. If these are not available, persons in wheelchairs should shelter in place unless the danger is imminent. To shelter in place means remaining in the room with and exterior window, a telephone, and a solid or fire resistant door, and call 911 or Campus Security at (208) 769-3310 to report the location.

For false or needless alarms or an isolate and contained fire, a person with a disability may not need to evacuate. The decision to evacuate will be made by the fire department. The fire department will tell the individual or relay the information via NIC Campus Security.

If a chemical spill occurs:

If emergency services are required call 911 and then report the hazardous spill immediately to campus security at (208) 769-3310 and the Facilities Operations office at (208) 769-3413. Give the location and extent of the spill.
Identify the material if possible. Is it leaking, spilling or burning? Can you identify any placards or container labels?
Get away and resist the urge to rush into a contaminated area. You cannot help others until you know what you are facing. Do NOT become part of the problem.
Secure the scene without entering the immediate hazard area. Do what you can to isolate the area to assure the safety of others. Evacuate to a safe area.
Toxic fumes are a serious threat. Avoid the inhalation of fumes, smoke and vapors. Move upwind if outside.
Do NOT re-enter a contaminated area until cleared to do so by competent authority.
If toxic chemicals come in contact with your skin, immediately flush the affected area with clean water for 15 minutes. Use chemical showers and/or eye wash stations, if available.
Complete an Incident Report form with Facilities Operations and Campus Security within 24 hours.

A medical emergency is an injury or illness that is acute and poses an immediate threat to a person’s life or long term health. These emergencies may require assistance from YOU.

Report it to 911: A key component of providing proper care is to quickly summon the emergency medical services.

Notify Security at (208) 769-3310: They can respond for crowd control and direct emergency services.

First aid: Those trained to perform first aid can act within the bounds of the knowledge they have, while waiting for first responders.

Remain calm: Those who are not able to perform first aid can assist by remaining calm and staying with the injured or ill person.

Assist: Additional bystanders can be helpful in ensuring that crowds are moved away, allowing the responder adequate work space.

Tips: Check breathing and give CPR if necessary. Control serious bleeding by direct pressure on the wound.

Unless the situation is particularly hazardous and is likely to further endanger the patient(s) evacuating and injured victim requires special skills and should be left to emergency professionals.

If you observe someone with a weapon or hear shots:

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. If you observe someone whom you believe might be in possession of a weapon call 911 and Campus Security at (208) 769-3310.
Observe at a distance and provide the following information to the Police Department, if possible:
- Your exact location and the location of the person or persons involved.
- What is currently happening or what has happened. Are there injuries?
- A detailed description of the person or persons involved including gender, race, clothing, cap or hat, shoes and distinguishing characteristics such as facial hair, glasses, etc.
- Describe the weapon involved if known.
- Describe any vehicle(s) that may be involved and license number(s) if available.
Under no circumstances should you confront a person whom you believe is armed.
Should gunfire take place on campus, take cover, shelter-in-place, seek an area that is free from risk. Make every possible effort to get others out of the immediate area. If you are in harms way, close and lock doors and stay away from windows.
Don’t be a hero. Do not attempt to rescue casualties, as you may become the next victim. Be observant as the safety of others may depend on you.
If you are directly confronted by an active shooter, the following actions are recommended:
- Ask/plead with the person to put the weapon in a neutral location. Don’t argue, threaten or block an exit. Do not make a sudden move to disarm the person. Know your ability to protect yourself.
- Fight back. It may be your last option if you are caught in close proximity to the shooter. This is dangerous and not recommended, but it could be your only option. Do anything you can in an attempt to disable or slow down the aggressor. You can use many types of items as weapons: books, trash cans or other small items.
If you are caught by the intruder and not going to fight, obey all commands and avoid eye contact. If violent action is likely, do your best to cover up or flee.

Options for Consideration Active Shooter Training Video

The very nature of terrorism in the furtherance of political or social objectives, suggests there will be little or no warning. A terrorist strike on a college campus will likely be limited in scope and may include suicide bombing, other explosive or incendiary devices or release of chemical or biological agents.

More than one person may be involved and several incidents may occur simultaneously.

Report any suspicious persons, behaviors, or unusual activities outside the normal routines of your workplace by calling 911 or Campus Security at (208) 769-3310.
Possible suicide bomber indicators- A.L.E.R.T:
- Alone and nervous
- Loose and/or bulk clothing that may not fit the weather conditions
- Exposed wires, possibly through a sleeve
- Rigid midsection that may be explosive device or rifle
- Tightened hands that may hold detonation device
If an explosion is seen or heard, follow the guidelines listed under bomb/explosion
Be aware of the possibility of a second explosion
If there is an unusual odor or visible cloud, especially in the enclosed area:
Evacuate the area immediately
Call 911
Get outside to fresh air and seek medical help
If there is a physical reaction such as tearing, coughing, difficulty breathing or sudden nausea do not attempt to rescue persons who collapse or become unconscious. You cannot help others until you know what you are facing.
If you discover any suspicious device, package, envelope, container, backpack or other object:
- Do not approach or touch the object. Note the description and the exact location of the object and report this as accurately as possible.
- Evacuate the immediate area and do not allow others to enter
- Call 911

Inclement Weather Information
When snow and ice make driving conditions hazardous or campus sidewalks and parking lots difficult to clear, classes may be canceled. Classes at outreach centers may be canceled independently of main campus, and vice versa. North Idaho College school closure information will be communicated via Cardinal Contact (voice/text/email notification system), www.nic.edu homepage, NIC Snow Closure Line at (800) 254-4526, Facebook, Twitter and local media. Announcements will be made by approximately 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday for daytime classes and by approximately 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for classes that begin at 4 p.m. or later.

Flooding and water damage

During business hours, notify the facilities office at (208) 769-3413. After hours and holidays, call campus security at (208) 769-3310. Give the exact location and severity of the leak.
Notify your supervisor.
If there are electrical appliances or outlets near the leak, use caution. Do not step into standing water.

Winter weather

NIC will occasionally cancel classes when severe winter weather threatens. To confirm that the college is closed, check the NIC website, local radio and TV stations, or call the NIC switchboard at (208) 769-3300, or weather hotline.
Do not drive unless you must.
If caught in your car during winter storm, wait in your car to be found.
Wear several layers of loose-fitting, light weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
Wear mittens instead of gloves and wear a hat or cap.
Watch for symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia.

Thunder and lightning storms

In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
In an open area, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley.
In open water, get to land and find shelter immediately.
If you feel your hair stand on end (indicates that lightning is about to strike), squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Minimize your contact to the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

Earthquakes

Take cover under a study desk, table or bench or against an inside wall.
If there isn’t a desk or table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that can all and hurt you.
Do not enter or exit the building during shaking.
Use flashlights. Do not use matches, lighters, candles or electrical switches.
If evacuation is ordered, proceed to the appropriate assembly area.
Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in obvious, immediate danger.
Avoid using telephones except to report severe emergencies.
Inform emergency and rescue personnel of any trapped person(s).