NJLA 2014 Keeping Your Staff Safe - Disaster Planning & Staff Training
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
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
