Emergency Response Framework
This Emergency Response Framework (ERF) documents the processes required for a successful response and recovery from an emergency incident at the University of Idaho (UI).
The ERF is consistent with applicable provisions of the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). As such, the ERF will serve as a tool to improve coordination and strengthen relationships between university, local, state, and federal entities which operate under the NRF and NIMS provisions.
Download the University of Idaho Emergency Response Framework.
Protective Actions
One of the protective actions that may be issued by University Office of Public Safety and Security or University personnel is a building or campus-wide Evacuation. An Evacuation protective action may be issued in response to a fire, hazardous materials spill/release or hostile intruder. An Evacuation protective action should not be issued for a bomb threat unless there is credible and specific information regarding the location and time of the threat. This protective action is aimed to keep students, faculty, staff and visitors safe by creating distance between them and the hazard area. Evacuation means immediately leaving the area you are located for another designated safe location. If a campus-wide Evacuation is issued, everyone on a campus is required to immediately leave on foot in an orderly manner and should not try to leave by car. Specific information regarding how to properly evacuate can be accessed on the Environmental Health and Safety website.
One of the protective actions that may be issued by University Office of Public Safety and Security or University personnel is Shelter-in-Place. A Shelter-in-Place protective action may be issued in response to a hazardous materials spill/release, hostile intruder or weather emergency. This protective action is aimed to keep students, faculty, staff, and visitors safe while remaining indoors. Shelter-in-Place means selecting a secure, interior room if possible, with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are required to immediately Shelter-in-Place in an orderly manner when directed by emergency response personnel or a Vandal Alert message. Specific information regarding how to properly Shelter-in-Place can be accessed on the Public Safety and Security website.
One of the protective actions that may be issued by University Office of Public Safety and Security or university personnel is Temporary Closure. A Temporary Closure protective action may be issued after an Evacuation is ordered and it is determined that a building or campus is unsafe until further notice. This protective action is aimed to keep students, faculty, staff and visitors safe by keeping them out of the hazard area and away from emergency response operations. Temporary Closure means all campus classes and functions are canceled until further notice. Only essential personnel should remain on campus unless they are ordered to leave by the University Office of Public Safety and Security, Executive or Response Teams, or local emergency response agency personnel. Current information regarding the status of the University during an emergency can be accessed on the Vandal Alert website.