E3.1 Emergency Evacuation
When an emergency evacuation alarm sounds, emergency units are AUTOMATICALLY ALERTED and dispatched to the correct library address.
The safety of library patrons is the first priority in an evacuation. Once an emergency situation is identified, individuals are alerted and assisted in leaving the building. When a staff member, security officer, or volunteer is made aware of a situation that may call for an immediate evacuation of the building (hears an alarm, discovers a fire, receives a bomb threat, natural gas leaks, etc.) established procedures will be followed to evacuate the building quickly and safely.
When an alarm is in progress, evacuation procedures will be completed even in case of a false alarm. The City Library Evacuation Procedures will be followed and the building will be completely evacuated.
An emergency command center is established for the purpose of coordinating response. Staff will be trained in and use emergency evacuation procedures. The policy and procedures will be reviewed as needed or at least every 3 years.
E3.2 Designated Evacuation Meeting Areas
Staff will remain in the designated area and wait for further instructions. An accurate count of staff will be made by the Lead Librarians of each area. Lead Librarians will report any unaccounted for staff to the Command Center or Emergency Personnel.
When the authorities inform the Administration/Librarian-in-Charge (LIC) that the building is safe, staff will report back to the Library promptly. The building will re-open to the public when staff have resumed their posts in their departments.
E3.3 Fire Alarm Testing
Fire alarm pull stations are tested periodically to ensure all systems are working. The Facilities Manager alerts staff of these scheduled tests, which are usually conducted before 9:00 a.m. Evacuation is not necessary during a test unless so notified.
E3.4 General Safety Precautions
E3.4.1 Elevators
Elevators should not be used during an emergency evacuation. The elevators will automatically go to their designated parking position, which is usually the ground floor. Staff will direct patrons to exit using the emergency exit stairwells.
E3.4.2 Assisting People with Disabilities or Mobility Problems
Any person unable to leave the building because of mobility problems will be taken to the safest available stairwell (i.e., Bar Building at Main Library). Staff will notify another library staff member, the Administration/Librarian-in-Charge (LIC), and/or an emergency responder of the location.
Stairwells have a more effective fire rating and are the safest place to stay until emergency personnel arrive.
E3.4.3 Refusal to Evacuate
Any person who refuses to evacuate can be issued a fine by emergency personnel for failure to comply.
Approved by Library Board of Directors, May 2011