Emergency Policies
Adopted: 3-19-91
Amended: 11-21-00
Winter Storms
The Library may close (or postpone opening) when weather conditions exist making it highly improbable for travel. The primary factor of any decision made will be the safety of the staff and the library patrons. However, maximum effort will be made to maintain regular library operating hours.
The New London Police Department will be called upon for advice concerning impending road conditions. If hazardous road conditions occur, the director (or senior staff member) will call a Library/Museum Trustee (preferably the president) to advise him/her of the situation.
If a decision is made to close or postpone, the radio stations in the area will be called to make necessary announcements. Permanent full-time staff and scheduled part-time employees will be compensated as if there was not loss of service.
Tornadoes:
When a tornado has been sighted within the community, the city siren will sound the warning. The library staff will then advise the library's patrons of the situation and will ask them to proceed to the lower level hallway of the north side (Carnegie building). A radio should accompany the group. Normal routine may resume when the all clear sign is given.
Fire:
At the first indication of smoke or flame, investigate the situation to determine location and extent of the fire. If the fire can obviously be contained and extinguished quickly and safely by staff, proceed to do so. However, if there is any doubt about whether the fire can be controlled, immediately call 911 or the fire department and then clear the building.
Familiarize yourself with the type, location, and application of the fire extinguisher(s) in the building. Orient all staff and volunteers to this information.
Health emergencies:
Staff members should exercise caution when administering first aid of even a minor nature because of the safety of the injured individual and the potential liability of the staff member. Without specialized training it is not advisable for staff to undertake more than keeping the sick or injured patron comfortable and protected from needless disturbance until medical help can be obtained. Since each case is unique, staff members should use their own judgment to do what is prudent and reasonable.
The Rescue Squad/Police (911 if available) should be called immediately in the event of any serious problem.
No medication, including aspirin, should ever be dispensed to the public.
Bomb threats:
Keep the 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.
If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, ASK FOR THIS INFORMATION.
Pay particular attention to peculiar background noises such as motors running, background music and any other sounds which may indicate where the location from which the call is originating.
Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited), accents and speech impediments.
Immediately after the caller hangs up, call the police. Clear the building. The police will handle the actual bomb search.
