DISASTER RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL STAFF
Follow these instructions if you are first to discover an emergency situation. Then, if Library collections are affected, follow the instructions below for ensuring safety before taking steps to halt damage to collections.
1. REPORT THE EMERGENCY
A. FIRE or other life-threatening emergency
B. WATER
- Pull the fire alarm
- Leave the building (Public Safety Officers responding are responsible for evacuation)
- Notify Public Safety by calling 911
In reporting the emergency, remain calm, and provide the following information:
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- Notify Library Facilities at x6940
- At all other times -- Notify the Circ. Desk at x2455 (they will contact Public Safety at x2222 or University Facilities at x1141)
2. NOTIFY THE DISASTER COORDINATING TEAM
- Nature and location of the problem
- When the problem started
- Your name, location, and phone number
- Stay on the phone until you have given all the necessary information. Do not be the first to hang up.
If collections are or may be affected, begin calling people on the Disaster Coordinating Team, starting at the top of the list, until one person is reached. (That person will contact the others.)
Click here for home telephone numbers.
Name Work Paul Anderson, Library Administrative Services 6910 Susan Brynteson, Vice Provost and May Morris Director of Libraries 2231 Mary Durio, Preservation -- Head, Coordinating Team 0196 Susan Davi, Collection Development 6948 Susan Maguire, Preservation 6919 Chad Maring, Library Facilities 6940 Tim Murray, Special Collections 6952 Nancy Nelson, Access Services 8135 Craig Wilson, Collections 6908 3. ENSURE SAFETY
Do not enter the affected area until in has been determined that is safe to do so. If the Fire Department is called, they will be in charge of deciding when staff may re-enter the building. In a Water emergency, potential dangers include electrical shock, and exposure to sewage, chemicals, and mold.
To ensure safety in a Water Emergency:
- Turn off electricity in affected areas if necessary*
- Turn off water supply if it continues to run into affected areas*
- Ensure that no chemicals, sewage, or mold present health risks
- Cordon off unsafe areas
*Library staff do not have access to electrical or water shut-offs. Public Safety should contact Facilities (for nights and weekends, Emergency Maintenance) to shut off the electricity or the water.
Contaminated Water
If you are responding to a water emergency but have not determined the source, remember that the water could be contaminated. If you are handling affected collections or working in the wet area, wear protective clothing. Rubber gloves, safety glasses, and protective jackets are in the Disaster Trunks located in Circulation, the Mailroom, and outside the Women's Room near Preservation on the Lower Level.
Standing Water
If there is standing water on the floor, there is a risk of electrical shock. Do not enter the area until the electricity has been turned off.
3. HALT DAMAGE TO COLLECTIONS
In a Water Emergency, turn off the water supply if you can identify the source and can shut it off,
AND
Shield library materials from the source of water by:
Trunks containing Disaster Supplies are in Circulation under the light panel, the Mail Room, and Preservation Room 013.
- Covering library materials with plastic sheeting if water is coming from above
- Making a dam barrier to keep water away from library materials if flooding is from below
- Moving undamaged materials to another location if they are in danger
Preservation Home | Staff | Units and Activities | How You Can Help Preserve the Collections | Disaster Plan | Mold | Wet Books | Identifying Book Damage | Preservation Information, Links to Preservation Suppliers and Service Providers, Regional Appraisers, Bookbinders, and Conservators
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Last modified: October 9, 2009
