DISASTERS/EMERGENCIES/WEATHER POLICY
All emergency phone numbers shall be posted near the phone. The staff shall review annually disaster and emergency policy found below.
FIRE
In case of fire or suspicion of fire, do not panic. The fire department shall be called by the Director or designee. The building shall be evacuated in an orderly manner and the fire department shall be called from the nearest safe location.
HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Staff members shall maintain certification in first aid and CPR/AED and can perform within certification guidelines.
Staff shall call 911 immediately in the event of a serious problem. The Director or designee should also be notified immediately.
In the event of a health emergency or injury on library property, an Incident Report shall be filled out at once and turned in to the Director. An Incident Report Form shall be completed even if the person appears unharmed.
No medication, including aspirin, shall ever be dispensed to the public.
BOMB THREATS
While talking to the caller, remember that it is very important to REMAIN CALM. If you become excited, the caller may hang up early and you may miss vital information.
The police shall handle the actual bomb search unless they specifically request library personnel to identify any unusual objects.
The staff shall:
- keep caller on the line as long as possible. Ask the caller to repeat the message and try to write down every word spoken by the person.
- ask caller for location of the bomb and/or the time of possible detonation.
- pay particular attention to peculiar background noises such as motors running, background music and any other sounds that may indicate where the call is originating from.
- listen closely to the voice (male or female), voice quality (calm, excited), accents and speech impediments.
- immediately, after the caller hangs up, notify the Director who shall immediately notify the police. The police shall want to talk first hand with the person who received the call.
- clear the building but do not create a panic, do it quickly and quietly.
SNOW STORMS
The decision to open or close in case of extreme weather shall be determined at the discretion of the Director or designee.
SEVERE WEATHER
A “WATCH” is an alerting message given by the Weather Bureau when conditions are favorable for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hail or floods to develop.
A “WARNING” is issued when a tornado, severe thunderstorm, hail or flood has actually been sighted in the area or indicated on radar.
When a “WARNING” is in effect, patrons and staff shall be notified and allowed to make their own decision concerning whether they want to remain at TDL or leave. Those that stay for high winds or tornado warning shall be directed to the basement until warning has cleared.