WEATHER EMERGENCY (BLIZZARD, ICESTORM, HAILSTORM, WINDSTORM)

The library may be closed for actual or expected severe weather events (see “Closings Procedure”, page 4). The Person-in-Charge should contact the Director if considering closure for any reason. If the Director is unavailable the President should be contacted.

If severe weather occurs when the library is open to the public, the immediate safety needs of patrons and staff must be met.

The primary hazards for people and property during a weather emergency at our library will likely be wind driven or falling objects, and dangerous travel conditions.

Hail can be of substantial size to injure people and damage cars and buildings. Snow and ice storms can cause power line, tree and roof collapse, and impassable sidewalks and roadways.

Blizzards, with their wind and snow, can cause slippery roads and blinding whiteouts that present hazardous driving conditions.

In the event of high winds, the Person-in-Charge shall encourage building occupants to keep away from windows. In the event of a tornado warning the Person-in-Charge shall evacuate patrons and staff to the basement.

For all weather emergencies one rule applies. We shall not send patrons or staff outside into harm’s way. So we shall offer to provide people with the protection of our facility until it is reasonable for them to go.

Upon resolution of the emergency, the Person-in-Charge shall complete an incident report and notify the Director who will notify the President.