Campus Safety
Emergency Notifications
Central Washington University is committed to keeping the campus community informed during emergencies and situations that might disrupt normal operations. This page is activated when there's an active alert.
Air Quality Alert - UNHEALTHY Level - August 4, 2026
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Everyone else – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
Definitions
Shelter in Place vs. Lockdown
Shelter in Place
During a shelter-in-place order, members of the campus community are told to move or remain indoors for safety reasons because there is an environmental, chemical, or other threat to the community's well-being. Classes taking place in indoor facilities may proceed.
Lockdown
Situations where there is an immediate threat to your location, such as:
- Dangerous incident in the immediate neighborhood.
- Dangerous incident close to your location.
- Proceed to a location that can be secured, and lock or secure the door(s) and window(s).
- Turn off all lights and silence all phones. Instruction will come via e-mail, text, or other authorized means, so keep your silenced phone nearby.
- Wait in the safest location possible until you are given the “all clear” or told to evacuate.
- A lockdown may also lead to a “Run, Hide, Fight” situation.
CWU News
Music helped shape past and present for CWU alumna, staff member
August 3, 2026 by Rune Torgersen
CWU dancer follows her talent to the Seahawks Dancers
July 29, 2026 by David Leder
Questions? Contact Us.
University Police and Public Safety
1211 N Wildcat Way
Emergency: 911