Earthquake Warning California is the country’s first publicly available, statewide warning system that could give California residents crucial seconds to take cover before you feel shaking. Managed by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Earthquake Warning California uses ground motion sensors from across the state to detect earthquakes before humans can feel them and can notify […]
Extreme heat and wildfire smoke, potentially lethal on their own, can act in concert to produce increased damage to people’s hearts and respiratory systems, according to researchers. ZIP codes in red were shown to have increased relative excess health risks due to interaction (RERI) of smoke and heat among residents. A new study led by […]
When they are needed most, NLS libraries are once again rising to the occasion As wildfires force evacuations throughout Northern California, libraries in the NorthNet Library System (NLS) are once again providing vital assistance to their communities. In El Dorado County, where the Caldor Fire has destroyed one school and forced thousands to evacuate, the […]
During the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires, many libraries have been reflecting on the role that they play in supporting community mental health and resilience. Libraries throughout California joined NorthNet Library System (NLS) on March 9, 2021, for a panel discussion on how libraries can best support the mental health of patrons, staff and volunteers […]
The following resources include training, community partners, podcasts and books supporting the topics of mental health and resilience. If you have a resource to share on LibraryRecovery.org, please contact NorthNet Library System at NLSadmin@plpinfo.org. Webinars and Education Training Resilience Resources Resources to Share Community Partners Podcasts & Media Recommended Reading The following books offer insights […]
Amid the immense challenges posed by COVID-19, libraries throughout the country are finding innovative ways to bring people together and to encourage safe, enriching activities. Here in California, libraries have responded with a diverse array of new programs and found creative ways to adapt existing services to online, outdoor and physically distanced formats. Take-home activity […]
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, two of the most pressing questions for libraries have been how to safely handle materials and reopen library facilities. Over the past several months, however, evolving safety guidelines, seemingly contradictory scientific studies and public disagreement between scientists have created confusion for libraries and patrons alike. As Teri Sforza […]
While community members are often eager to help, managing a deluge of donations can present a secondary challenge during a disaster. To help communities impacted by the 2020 fire season, the Sacramento Bee suggests providing cash assistance to community groups that have a proven record of helping those affected by wildfires. Aid workers say if […]
As a disaster abates, libraries should engage staff, volunteers and partners in transitioning to the recovery phase. Consider what work will need to be done before library branches can re-open. Depending on the disaster, significant time may be needed for repairs, environmental cleanup or cataloging library inventory. When a major snowstorm caused extensive flooding, the […]
Library staff may also be asked to support city or countywide emergency operations if they are considered “essential employees” or if a disaster is prolonged. In Napa County, library staff members assisted with county-led disaster response efforts during recent power shutoffs, wildfires in 2017 and an earthquake in 2014. “One thing that helps is being […]