Whitworth University recognizes the safety and well-being of the campus community as our highest priority. We have put in place the staff, planning and resources necessary to respond effectively to a broad range of possible emergencies.

In the event of an emergency, information updates will be available through the campus news section of our home page at www.whitworth.edu and through the Whitworth switchboard at 509.777.1000. E-mail and text/voice messages may also be sent out to students, faculty, staff and parents. In addition, local television and radio stations may have information available on their broadcasts and websites. A foundational principle of our crisis communications plan is to be proactive and open in communicating with students, parents, employees and others in the belief that providing timely, reliable information will enable those engaged in the crisis to do their work more effectively.

Whitworth's Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is based on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) used and recommended by local, state and federal emergency-response agencies. The ERP positions the institution to respond to any type and scope of emergency (i.e. natural disasters, pandemic flu or a building fire) and to integrate smoothly with emergency responders from off campus. The ERP has been reviewed and updated within the past year. Staff members with assigned responsibilities in the plan have participated in campus training and exercises to test and hone our level of preparation.