NJLA 2014, Management & Administration Section

1. KEEPING YOUR STAFF SAFE:
DISASTER PLANNING &
TRAINING
Allison Moonitz
Assistant Director - Mahwah Public Library
NJLA 2014
June 3, 2014

2. Barriers to Staff Preparedness
Apathy
“It won’t happen here.”
“I won’t worry about this until a
threat is imminent.”
Not on my radar
“I just haven’t thought about
it.”
Lack of
information
“I don’t know how to do
this.”
Fatalism
“Whatever I do won’t make a
difference in the event of a big
disaster.”
Avoidance
“I don’t like to think about
it.”
Lack of resources
“I don’t have the
money/time.”
“I’m unable to do this.”

3. Job Responsibility?
 ALA & OSHA
 What is the Library Director is responsible for?
 Source:
http://www.ala.org/llama/sites/ala.org.llama/files/content/publication
s/LibrarySecurityGuide.pdf

4. Something To Keep in Mind…
 Relying on luck & general common sense
amongst your staff ≠ Disaster Preparedness

5. Need Advice?
 Local emergency authorities
 CERT
 Fire
 Police

6. Staff Development Ideas
 Fire
 Fire Extinguisher FAQ + Fire Safety
 Fire drills
 Paramedic
 Basic First Aid
 CPR/AED

7. Staff Development Ideas
 Police
 Hostile patrons/lower level threats
 What to expect when “help” arrives
 Active Shooter scenarios
 Evacuation Routes
 Plan for elderly/handicapped individuals

8. Don’t Forget about your
Trustees!
 Advise Board of your intentions
 Invite Board to attend staff trainings
 Provide updated lists of all of emergency
contact info + print copies of disaster plans

9. Remember: Common sense ≠
Disaster Preparedness
 Documentation!
 Evening and Weekend Contingency Plans
 Preparedness plan isn’t static
 Acknowledge learning opportunities
 Staff have to understand that you’re taking their
safety seriously

10. Contact info
Allison Moonitz
Assistant Director
Mahwah Public Library
100 Ridge Road
Mahwah NJ 07430
201-529-7323 x225
amoonitz@mahwahlibrary.org