Susan’s Suggestions for Pain-free Disaster Planning
Suggestion #15: Emergency information sheet. In an emergency, there will most likely not be time for someone to scan the table of contents of your plan and find, then read, a response procedure. While the procedures are intended for training and establishing a foundation of appropriate measures, you can create a single page to put at the front of your plan that provides a quick reference for immediate response. Suggested elements to include:
· immediate response procedures: designate the sequence of notification, such as whether to immediately call 911 or call the Emergency Response Coordinator who is on duty
· designate by name and position who is the Emergency Response Coordinator for your library for different days and times of day (evening staffing, weekend staffing)
· designate whom police should call at home when the library is closed
· specify basic procedures for the Emergency Response Coordinator, such as
o call 911 if the call has not already been placed
o ask the person who reported the situation to remain until authorities arrive
o if necessary, initiate Evacuation of the building
o if necessary, call Maintenance (specify telephone number) for situations involving flooding or other damage to the facility
o begin any mitigation activities that can be safely undertaken before Maintenance personnel arrive
o report the situation, actions taken, and resolution in as much detail as possible to all appropriate staff as specified in the Reporting section of the plan
In our Emergency Information Sheet, we have also included a disclaimer of sorts: “This guide is intended to provide help in responding to emergency situations, but it is NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THINKING! If, in your judgment, there is a more effective response, use it, then report according to the procedure.”
