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

2. 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

3. Yes, It Can Happen Here: Disaster Preparedness in Libraries

4. Is your library ready?

5. 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.”

6. 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

7. Disasters in Libraries

8. 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

9. Four Stages of Emergency Management

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

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

15. 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

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

17. How to create a Disaster Plan

18. How to create a disaster plan

19. Questions?

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