Section V E. Disasters and inclement weather (recommended by the American Library Association) (Revised 6-11-07)
Section 1
Fire
1. If the alarm is triggered, or at the first whiff of smoke, evacuate all patrons from the building and phone 911.
2. If the reason for the alarm is not evident, a staff member should investigate the entire building quickly to find out what is happening and where, while a second staff member clears the building.
3. Evacuees should congregate across the street from the library for a head count.
4. The time to think about fires is before they happen. Familiarize yourself with the type and application of the fire extinguisher in the building. Pull the pin, aim carefully at the base of the flame and shoot. You have 10-15 seconds of spray.
Section 2
Health emergencies
1. Staff members should exercise caution in assisting anyone with any complaint because of the potential danger of a lawsuit. Make the patron or staff member comfortable and protect from needless disturbance until medical help can be obtained.
2. 911 should be called immediately in the event of a serious problem. At no time should staff members attempt to provide first aid unless certified.
3. No medication, including aspirin, should ever be dispensed to the public.
Section 3
Bomb threats
1. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.
2. Ask the caller to repeat the message and try to write down every word spoken by the person.
3. If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, ASK FOR THIS INFORMATION.
4. Pay particular attention to peculiar background noises such as motors running, background music and any other noises which may indicate where the call is originating from. Listen closely to the voice (male, female) voice quality (calm, excited) accents and speech impediments.
5. Immediately after the caller hangs up, call 911.
6. Clear the building.
Section 4
Inclement weather
The library may close (or postpone opening) when weather conditions make travel hazardous. The deciding factor of any decision made will be the safety of the library patrons and staff, although maximum effort will be made to maintain regular library operating hours.
1. If hazardous road conditions occur, the director will call a Library Board Trustee to advise him/her of the situation.
2. If a decision is made to close, the local radio station will be called to make the necessary announcement, and a note will be posted on the library door.
Section 5
Power outages
1. The library may close after a two-hour power outage, for safety of the staff and library patrons, using the same notification procedures.
