Severe Weather and Emergency Policy
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety of library patrons, staff, and property during severe weather events and other emergencies. The library is committed to providing clear procedures for preparation, response, and recovery in such situations.
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General Policy
The safety of staff and patrons is the library’s highest priority. In the event of severe weather or other emergencies, the Library Director (or other staff present at the library) will make decisions regarding closing, evacuation, or sheltering based on local conditions, official warnings, and recommendations from emergency management or law enforcement officials. 
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Severe Weather Procedures
•    Monitoring Conditions:
The Library Director or staff on duty will monitor local weather alerts through reliable sources (e.g., NOAA Weather Radio, local news, or emergency alert systems).
•    Closures or Delays:
o    The library may close, delay opening, or close early if travel or conditions are unsafe.
o    Closure notices will be posted promptly where possible.
o    If school is cancelled all children’s programing will also be cancelled. If there is a late start for school, morning programming will be cancelled. If there is an early out afterschool programming will be cancelled. Library staff will try make the public aware of any cancellations by posting to our website and Facebook page. 
•    Shelter Procedures:
o    During a tornado warning or similar event staff will inform patrons of the warning and guide patrons to shelter. Once informed patrons are responsible for their own safety. 
•    Blizzards, Floods, and Other Events:
o    Library operations may be suspended when travel becomes hazardous or the building is unsafe (e.g., power loss, flooding, or structural damage).

Other Emergency Procedures
•    Fire:
o    The fire alarm system is activated at the first detection of smoke. Library staff will clear the building guiding patrons to the safest emergency exit. At no point will a library employee put his or her safety at risk by trying to search the building or extinguish the fire. Staff will call 911 with a cell phone once outside. 
•    Power Outage:
o    If the outage is brief, staff may continue service as safety allows.
o    If lighting, heating/cooling, or safety systems fail, the library may close until power is restored.
•    Medical Emergency:
o    Staff will call 911 immediately for any serious injury or illness.
o    First aid supplies are available, but staff should not provide medical treatment beyond basic first aid and comfort measures.
•    Violent or Threatening Situations:
o    Staff will contact law enforcement when necessary.
o    In case of an active threat, staff and patrons should seek safe shelter or evacuate as directed by authorities. At no point will library staff put their own safety at risk by searching the building. 
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Communication
•    The Library Director or designee will communicate all emergency decisions to staff and, when applicable, to the public.
•    Notifications will be shared via the library’s website, social media, and local media channels.
•    Staff should keep personal contact information current for emergency notifications.
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Recovery and Reopening
•    The library will reopen only when it is safe for patrons and staff and the facility is fully operational.
•    Any building damage, equipment loss, or safety concern will be documented and reported to the Library Director and governing board.
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(Adopted November 2025)