Safety concerns, staff capacity and community needs should all be considered when determining how to provide services during a disaster. If conditions permit, programs may be offered at alternate locations or moved online. Kids have one last visit with Placer County’s retiring bookmobile. A library’s bookmobile can be a major asset during a disaster, allowing […]
Coordinating responses with local leaders and providing accurate information are both major priorities during a disaster. For NorthNet libraries, recent experiences with wildfires and power shutoffs have also created additional challenges. Following the 2017 Northern California wildfires, the Napa County Library directed patrons to community resources and provided regular updates about the library’s status. Libraries […]
Although some disasters will require immediate evacuation of library facilities, staff members will often have time to gather key materials. Staff and volunteers pack up books at the Burney branch of the Shasta Public Libraries. If feasible, secure emergency contacts, vital records and log-in information for the library’s online accounts before evacuating. Traditionally, copies of […]
The severity and duration of a given disaster will be determining factors in whether the library can continue “normal” operations during the immediate response phase. During the 2019 Kincade Fire, the Sonoma County Library faced large-scale evacuations and power shutoffs across its service area. Sonoma County Library staff provide services to evacuated community members during […]
Disasters may occur suddenly and without warning. Regular drills and practice before a disaster strikes will help staff and volunteers to implement the plan even in worst-case scenarios. As a disaster unfolds, put library-wide and branch specific emergency action plans (EAPs) into action. Call 911 If someone is injured or an emergency originates in the […]
In a disaster, clear communication is paramount. The following resources include training, webinars, templates and planning resources to improve your library’s communication. If you have a resource to share on LibraryRecovery.org, please contact NorthNet Library System at NLSadmin@plpinfo.org. Sample Plans and Templates Sample Crisis Communication Plan – Georgia Public LibraryThis editable sample plan includes the […]