Emergency Procedures

In the event of a severe thunderstorm warning or a tornado warning (not watch), a staff member or building manager will open the shelter in the sub-basement. Workers will display the emergency shelter signs (which can be found in the workroom behind Circulation). There must be at least one library worker in the shelter at all times. The staff member or building manager will then make an announcement to the library notifying patrons of the situation. Patrons are welcome to take shelter in the sub-basement, but you cannot force someone into the shelter or force them to stay in the library.

The easiest way to access the sub-basement is through the emergency exit doors in the Special Collections hallway. Follow the Shelter signs to the bottom of the stairs.

A staff member or building manager will unlock the shelter door, leaving it propped open for patrons and library personnel to enter. The designated shelter area is to the right and through a small doorway. All patrons and workers are to remain in the designated shelter space in the sub-basement at all times. It is the worker's responsibility to ensure the safety of all patrons during this time. Wandering around the sub-basement is dangerous.

The worker staying in the shelter should use the phone provided to call Public Safety, informing them of the event. Public Safety will call the phone in the sub-basement when the warning is over.

Walkie-talkies are located in the Circulation staff desk drawer and can be used to communicate with the worker in the sub-basement. A flashlight is located in the desk underneath the microphone.