|
"Shunkawakun In Winter"
(scadin23), R.H. Scadin Collection, UNCA Special Collections IN THE EVENT OF
A NATURAL DISASTER (Earthquake, Flood, Hurricane,
Snow-storm, Ice Storm, Tornado, Drought, etc.)
1. GENERAL RESPONSE GUIDELINES
A. The Disaster Coordinators and/or assigned personnel will supervise
and coordinate all activities associated with the preparation of the
facilities, evacuation of all persons, and protection of collections
and equipment.
B. This plan will be reviewed with all members of the staff on a
yearly basis --- prior to hurricane/tornado season.
1. SNOW EMERGENCY
A snow emergency is the most likely
emergency to be created by a natural phenomenon in our region.
Asheville has recently had a severe blizzard, ice storms and as seen
in the picture above, other severe winter conditions. Maintenance of
the facility is the best protective measure in the event of a winter
snow emergency. The roof of Ramsey Library is flat but is unlikely to
collapse due to the weight of snow. The supports are strong and leaks
have been infrequent. However, a condition known as "ice
damming," created when snow melts and re-freezes, can damage a
roof and create problems with drainage. The presence of icicles at the
edge of the building can be a signal that ice damning is present. The
icicles can also be hazardous to pedestrians. During a period of rapid
freeze and thaw, the roof needs to be monitored carefully for damage
and the interior of the upper floors checked for leaks.
In the event of a snow emergency and
library is declared closed, prepare units for a long absence and
-
unplug all computers coffee-pots
and critical electrical
-
cover critical materials with
plastic if leakage is suspected
-
alert all staff and
patrons of the snow emergency numbers
The following preventive measures are also recommended:
a. Annual check of roof for damage to covering
and drainage spouts should precede the winter snow cycle.
b. Check for icicles during periods of freeze,
thaw. Alert public safety if a hazard is present.
c. Check interior upper ceilings for signs of
leakage on an annual basis.
d. If snow and ice on sidewalks and access
routes present hazards for patrons, alert Public Safety.
2. HURRICANE
a. Hurricane Watch Alert
Be alert to notification of Hurricane WATCH which might affect
Western North Carolina
The watch will be announced over the library loud speaker indicating
a natural disaster/hurricane watch is in effect
and its expected duration, as appropriate.
Updates will be announced as received. Natural disaster/hurricane
warning plans will be reviewed.
b. Hurricane Warning Alert
Be alert to notification of Hurricane WARNING which might affect
Western North Carolina
The warning will be announced over the library loud speaker indicating
that the building will be closed shortly and
evacuation should begin immediately.
All full time staff will indicate their departure time on a roster
which will be placed at the Information Desk.
This will reaffirm after all tasks are completed
that the building has been successfully evacuated. Student employees
will be released immediately by their supervisor after assigned
duties are completed.
Upon the announcement of a natural disaster/hurricane warning the
Disaster Team will perform the following tasks:
a. Make certain all windows are closed.
Responsibility: Team Coordinator backed up by the other
members of the Team
b. Verify building is cleared and shut down electrical
Responsibility: Circulation staff
c. Lock front doors and verify circulation assignments.
Responsibility: Circulation staff
d. Shut down all computers in the building.
Also, move any computers near windows into a
safer area.
Responsibility: Individuals will close down their own
workstations. The Systems Liaisons will be responsible
for shutting down public-use computers and
moving the equipment located near windows.
E .Lock all departmental doors.
Responsibility: As staff evacuate offices, the last person
out of an area will turn off lights, lock doors, and
verify with Disaster Team that the area is
secured. Areas which must be verified:
Circulation, Tech Services, Reference, Special Collections, Gov.
Docs, Media Center.
f. Turn off all photocopy machines.
Responsibility: Circulation staff with assistance from
Disaster Team members.
g. When the building has been cleared and electronic equipment shut
down, Circulation announces over the loud speaker that
all personnel should immediately evacuate the
building.
h. The building is powered down.
I. The three control units are turned off.
Responsibility: Systems liaisons.
j. The elevator is brought down to the Main floor and turned
off.
Responsibility: Circulation staff.
k. Turn off power switches to the five floors.
Responsibility: Circulation staff.
l. Verify successful building closure and leave the area.
Responsibility: Coordinators, and Team Unit Leaders
2. RECOVERY GUIDELINES
Same as Water Damage Recovery
3. TORNADO
Tornados can occur with very little lead time for making decisions.
The following guidelines can provide the library with the tools for a
a quick response to a Tornado warning and provide library personnel
and patrons a better opportunity for survival and for recovery.
RESPONSE GUIDELINES
-
Plan for tornado drills as part of the annual Disaster
Preparedness Traning.
-
Clearly designate a safe area in the library for shelter in the
event of a warning.
-
Educate staff regarding the difference between a TORNADO WARNING
and a TORNADO WATCH.
-
Secure information from the local American Red Cross on Tornado
preparation.
TORNADO WATCH: Is issued by the National Weather Service to alert
the public that a possibility of a tornado may develop in a specific
area and at a specific time. It is generally issued before the
tornado has formed.
RESPONSE TO A WATCH:
Listen to reports, if possible. Advise all library personnel that
a watch is in effect.
Be sure movement to a safe area is not impeded
Continue to listen to radio reports or monitor internet reports
TORNADO WARNING: Is issued by the National Weather Service when a
tornado has been sighted or is being tracked on radar, or when a
storm is know to likely include a tornado. It is indication that the
danger is very serious and that all individuals should seek shelter
immediately. Warnings generally last from 30 to 60 minutes or
longer.
The following guidelines have been devised to indicate the
strength of a tornado. It is called the Fujita Scale:
F-0: 40-72 mph, chimney damage, tree branches broken
F-1: 73-112 mph, mobile homes pushed off foundation or
overturned
F-2: 113-157 mph, considerable damage, mobile homes
demolished, trees uprooted
F-3: 158-205 mph, roofs and walls torn down, trains
overturned, cars thrown
F-4: 207-260 mph, well constructed walls leveled
F-5: 261-318 mph, homes lifted off foundation and carried
considerable distances, autos thrown as far as
100 meters.
IF A WARNING IS GIVEN, TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
Go to the lowest level of the library
Stay away from windows
Do not use elevators
Keep to the center of the room. The corners tend to attract
debris.
If the structure is breached, get under sturdy furniture.
Protect your neck and your head with your arms
2. RECOVERY GUIDELINES
-
Help injured or trapped individuals
-
Give first-aid when it is appropriate.
-
Do not move seriously injured persons
-
Call for help, if available
-
Turn on the radio to get latest storm information, emergency
information
-
Keep clear of damaged areas of building
-
Use telephone only for emergency calls
-
Check for gas leaks, electrical system damage
-
Check for water line and sewer line breaks.
-
Protect and secure collection areas that may be subject to further
damage
Follow recovery guidelines for Water, if appropriate
|