After the recent evacuation due to a smoke alarm, several staff have asked for information about how to respond in the case of an emergency. The Library’s emegergency manual is linked below as well as under the “Staff Resources” menu on the intranet. I’ve included the fire evacuation procedure below. We will review several of the procedures at the all-staff meeting in March.
http://catalog.johnstonlibrary.com/share/JPL Emergency Manual.pdf
Upon the discovery of fire, proceed according to the following plan:
- If the alarm is not already activated, sound the alarm at the nearest pull switch.
- Direct someone to immediately call 911 from in-house if possible or from cell phone outside.
- If fire is in its earliest stages, such as in a trash can or a small pile of paper, use the nearest extinguisher while other staff continue evacuation.
- Before leaving the building, close the door to the burning area to confine the fire and minimize the spread of smoke.
- Make sure all patrons have left the building.
- Evacuate the building to an area of 500 feet.
- Gather staff and patrons by the JOHNSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY STONE MONUMENT SIGN – EAST OF THE LIBRARY IN JOHNSTON COMMONS.
- Do a head count.
- Report the incident to the director and assistant director within 24 hours.