“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin

Yes, It Can Happen Here: Disaster Preparedness in Libraries Welcome Yes, It Can Happen Here: Disaster Preparedness in Libraries Jeffrey Williams, Associate Director of the Health Sciences Library, New York University David J. Reimer, Sr., Emergency Planner, EOC Staffer and IT Generalist, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Yes, It Can Happen Here: Disaster Preparedness in Libraries

Is your library ready?

Definitions Disaster Emergency “A natural or man-made occurrence causing widespread destruction and distress: a catastrophe.” Emergency “A serious situation or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action.”

Causes of Disasters Natural causes Floods Wildfires Earthquakes Tornados Hurricanes Lightning strikes Landslides Snowstorms Volcanic eruptions Thunderstorms Severe temperatures Meteors and zombie attacks Man made causes Sprinkler activation Chemical leaks / spills / fumes Transportation accidents Construction failure Power outage Explosions / bombs Influenza outbreak Nuclear incidents Sewage overflow Vandalism / arson Strikes Civil disturbance / terrorism

Disasters in Libraries

Objectives of Disaster Planning To protect people and property To avoid disastrous effects by being pro-active To reduce loss when a disaster happens To expedite response and recovery efforts in an organized and systematic manner

Four Stages of Emergency Management

Prevention - Mitigation Identify and minimize the risks posed to your building, by it’s surroundings, equipment, fittings, fixtures, and area hazards Risk assessment

Risk Assessment What is the likelihood of an event? Geography Area hazards What would that event be? Identify and access risks Survey building Landscape Building materials Fire protection Utilities Security Communication systems

Risk Assessment Where are the biggest risks? What can you do to minimize risks?

Preparedness Develop a written preparedness, response, and recovery plan Compile basic procedures for staff and patron safety Know and understand your plan Create “what if” scenarios Train and update

Preparedness How will you continue to provide core library services? Print collection? Core print materials? Online resources available? ILL? MAA?

Preparedness Proactively plan for the rescue, relocation, and recovery of high value materials Secure a budget for supplies Identify recovery services Develop a communication plan Develop a one page plan

Practice Use the plan Revise the plan Practice the plan Do you have the right staff?

How to create a Disaster Plan

How to create a disaster plan

Questions? Jeffrey.Williams@nyumc.org reimer@kutztown.edu

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin