CENTRAL LIBRARY EMERGENCY PROCEDURES MANUAL Prepared by the Denver Public Library Security and Facilities Management Departments Revised: May 2010 NOTICE: The procedures provided in this manual supersede all previous procedures. Any emergency procedures predating this manual are to be destroyed.
MANUAL Table of Contents I. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE AND PAGER NUMBERS II. III. IV. Introduction and Purpose How the Building Automatically Responds to an Emergency FIRE Procedure V. ELEVATOR EMERGENCY Procedure VI. VII. VIII. IX. EVACUATION Procedure TORNADO Procedure NATURAL DISASTER Procedure BOMB THREAT Procedure X. ACCIDENT AND ILLNESS Procedure XI. XII. XIII. XIV. POWER OUTAGE Procedure FLOOD RESPONSE Procedure PERSONNEL DISTRUBANCE Procedure EMERGENCY CLOSURE Procedure
T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y EMERGENCY TELEPHONE AND PAGER NUMBERS REMINDER: Dial 9 for outside line, then: FIRE DEPARTMENT... 911 AMBULANCE/PARAMEDICS... 911 POLICE DEPARTMENT... 911 POLICE DEPARTMENT, NON-EMERGENCY... (720) 913-2000 ALL NUMBERS ARE (720) 865- UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. DPL SECURITY DEPARTMENT Dispatch Center-------1102 NAME POSITION PHONE PAGER Tom Scott Security 1110 (303) 890-0043 Manager Open Supervisor 1117 (720) 327-3030 Lorna McDermott Supervisor 1109 (303) 880-4012 DPL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT Office-------- --------1152 NAME POSITION PHONE CELL PHONE Michael Murphy Facilities 1151 (303) 994-4904 Manager Cynthia Lopez Operations 1161 (303) 994-5040 Supervisor Beruke Sharew Custodial Supervisor 1138 (303) 994-4671 CENTRAL LIBRARY SWITCHBOARD-------- --------1111 CENTRAL LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION NAME POSITION PHONE Shirley Amore City Librarian 2105 Michelle Jeske Administration 2005
Susan Kotarba Administration 2009 Richard Sosa Administration 2020 Emergency Telephone and Pager Numbers Page Two OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS DPL Marketing Department: Phone 2044 Pager (303) 851-7043 City Office of Emergency Preparedness (720) 865-7691 Suicide Prevention (303) 377-3040 3040 x 41 Poison Control (303) 739-1123
T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE A fire or other emergency within our building can pose unique problems for building management, staff, patrons and the fire department. Experience dictates that a safe and successful evacuation or emergency relocation is dependent upon a thorough knowledge of emergency response, and the pre-planning of evacuation procedures. In a public accessible building, during a fire or other emergency situation, occupants may have to rely upon the building staff to provide a disciplined, pre-planned response, for the welfare of those at the event. To provide a safe evacuation of this building in the event of a fire, bomb threat, tornado, or other emergency, the procedures in this manual are to be followed as closely as possible unless otherwise directed by police, fire department officials or competent authority. In order to establish a safe and orderly plan of emergency reaction, each employee or staff member must become familiar with the building emergency equipment and this emergency plan. Above all it is imperative to remember that in an emergency situation you should always: 1. REMAIN CALM 2. BE EXTREMELY AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS During an emergency situation instructions will be forthcoming from the police or fire department. Until that time the executive team of the Denver Public Library has designated the following individuals to provide direction and instruction during an emergency: a. Security Manager b. Facilities Manager c. Facilities Maintenance Supervisor d. Security Supervisor e. Branch Library Manager THESE ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE DESIGNATED TO GIVE INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF, MAINTENANCE OR SECURITY PERSONNEL. If possible, before actions are taken consultation with the City Librarian, Branch Library Director, person in charge, members of the executive team and/or contractors should occur. These procedures are to be read and understood by all staff. The procedure shall also be posted in a conspicuous place.
The Denver Public Library Facilities Management Department How the Building Automatically Responds to an Emergency The Central library building has been designed, built or renovated to the most current building and fire codes in order to assure occupant safety in the event of a fire within the structure. The building fire alarm and detection system acts in analog to the animal nervous system and coordinates the reaction of the building components to suppress and minimize the effects of a fire within the structure. Smoke and Heat Detectors Numerous smoke and heat detectors are spread through out the building. These detectors are located in staff and public areas, air handling units and ductwork, equipment rooms, elevator hoist ways and storage areas. The detectors are designed to quickly sense the combustion by products or heat of a fire. Upon detecting a fire the detector sends a signal to the Fire Command Center located near or adjacent to the Main entrance. The equipment in the Fire Command Center initiates certain alarms based upon the location of the detected fire. Fire Suppression The staff and public areas are covered by a wet sprinkler system. Pipes filled with water under pressure feed thermally activated sprinkler heads. The activation of one sprinkler head will release a minimum of twenty to thirty gallons of water per minute in order to absorb the heat of combustion, slowing or stopping the spread of a fire. Elevator Recall In all cases of automatic fire detection the elevators are recalled to the primary evacuation floor served. In our case it is the first floor. The doors will close (if they were open) at the initiation of an alarm. If traveling up the elevators will automatically stop and reverse direction and, without opening the doors will proceed to the main floor. Once there the doors will open and remain open until the elevator is released by Fire Department personnel. As a reminder: NEVER ATTEMPT TO USE AN ELEVATOR DURING A FIRE ALARM. Manual Pull-stations A number of manual pull-stations or fire alarm boxes are located throughout the building. These are located near exits and egress stairways for ease of access by staff and public for use should they become aware of a fire before the automatic detectors detect it. The manual stations only initiate an alarm and do not activate any other fire system.
T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y FIRE PROCEDURE WHEN THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS REMAIN CALM. Follow the instructions of your staff Fire Warden The fire alarm system will sound upon the detection of smoke or fire in the public, staff or mechanical areas and rooms of the library. The alarm will consist of a combination of audible alarms and flashing strobe lights. Any time the alarm sounds it should be considered an actual fire alarm and the following procedure should be implemented. IF YOU DETECT A FIRE: 1. Remain calm. You can do nothing to help yourself or others if you panic. 2. If an audible alarm has not been automatically activated, pull the fire alarm box located in the corridor adjacent to each fire stairwell. 3. If an audible alarm has not been automatically activated, pull the fire alarm box located in the corridor adjacent to each fire stairwell. 4. Call the Fire Department (9-911) and give them the following information: A--Building name (your branch library); B--street address (your branch library address,); C-floor level and location of fire D-Type of fire (if possible) E-and any other pertinent information regarding the emergency. This step is to be taken unless informed that Security or Facilities personnel have already notified the Fire Department. 5. Exiting: Immediately leave your area and close all doors behind you. During alarm status, the elevators are not to be used and will automatically be recalled to the first floor, and stay there until they are released by the fire department.
Follow the emergency exit lights and signage to the nearest emergency exit or stairwell. Do not attempt to re-enter work areas until authorized by emergency personnel. 6. Notify Security Unit 1102, and Facilities Department 1152/1151. FIRE PROCEDURE PAGE TWO REMEMBER: -DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT A FIRE UNLESS IMMEDIATELY CONFINABLE. -FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE LOCATED IN CABINETS SO DESIGNATED, ADJACENT TO THE EMERGENCY EXIT STAIRWELLS AS WELL AS OTHER IDENTIFIED LOCATIONS. For a detailed evacuation procedure please refer to the FLOOR OR BUILDING EVACUATION Procedure section included in this manual.
T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y ELEVATOR EMERGENCY PROCEDURE Elevators are designed with safety features to make it a safe mode of transportation. However, like all other mechanical devices, they do malfunction. Be prepared for such an occurrence. In order to repair sophisticated automatic controls, time is necessary. You may be detained in the elevator. BE CALM. WHAT TO DO: 1. Press the emergency bell button, which will automatically call the monitoring station. At this time, DPL Security (1102) is providing monitoring of all emergency elevator phone lines. 2. Give Security operator the elevator number, which is located on the inside of the elevator panel door. 3. Do not try to force open the elevator door. This may cause additional problems and delay your departure. 4. Do not attempt to leave the elevator if it is not level with the floor. WHAT IS HAPPENING WHILE YOU WAIT: 1. The Facilities Department and the elevator contract repair personnel will be notified. 2. You may be asked to identify passengers and any other pertinent information. 3. RELAX and sit on the floor of the elevator. 4. Security will notify the Denver Fire Department.
5. The elevator will not be put back into service until the service contractor evaluates it. T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y FLOOR OR BUILDING EVACUATION IN THE EVENT THAT YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO EVACUATE, REMAIN CALM. Follow the instructions of your staff Fire Warden ACTION TO BE TAKEN: 1. Immediately leave your area and close all doors behind you. 2. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS DURING AN EMERGENCY. 3. Follow the exit lights and emergency signage to the nearest emergency exit stairwell. Keep to the right side of the stairwell. If the stairway in not accessible or useable proceed to the elevator lobby refuge area. Remain there until assistance arrives. 4. Proceed down the emergency exit stairwell. Exit the stairwell at the main (first) floor. From there, proceed to the closest building exit. 5. Proceed to the PREDETERMINED EMERGENCY GATHERING AREA and wait for additional instructions or information. 6. Do not attempt to re-enter the building until authorized by emergency personnel.
T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y TORNADO PROCEDURE PUBLIC WARNING - public service warnings will come over the radio, TV, or five minute steady blasts of sirens by the Denver Civil Defense Warning system. Security will do a general house wide announcement over the public address system. Please listen for specific information. ALL of us need to remember that response to emergencies is a team effort. Be prepared to assist and calm customers. TORNADO PROCEDURE: 1. Move away from the perimeter of the building and exterior glass. 2. Leave exterior office spaces and close all doors behind you. 3. Go to an interior room or hallway and away from all windows, or go to the windowless elevator lobby/refuge area of the floor. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. 4. Do not go outside the building. 5. Sit down in the refuge area and protect yourself by putting your head as close to your lap as possible, or kneel protecting your head with your arms. 6. Emergency exit stairwells are safe. If the stairwells are too crowded, move down to a lower level for shelter. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. Remember that emergency personnel may need to use the emergency exit stairwells to access areas in need of assistance.
7. If you are trapped in an outside office, seek protection under a desk or other piece of heavy furniture and face away from windows. REMEMBER: -Do not use telephones to get information or advice. -Information and directions will be broadcast over the general announcement system. T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y MAJOR NATURAL DISASTERS Disasters and emergencies affecting large areas and many people can sometimes develop quickly. Flash floods and earthquakes, for example, can strike with little or no advance warning. There are certain things you can learn and do that will help you get ready for and cope with almost any type of emergency. The Denver Office of Emergency Preparedness will activate warning signals in affected areas. Perhaps the most basic thing to remember is to remain calm. ACTION TO BE TAKEN: 1. Whenever a major storm or other peacetime disaster threatens, keep your radio or television set tuned to hear weather reports and forecasts issued by the National Weather Service as well as other information and advice that may be broadcast by your local government. 2. Use your telephone only to report important disaster events to authorities and Building Management (1152). If you tie up the telephone lines
simply to get information you may prevent emergency calls from being made. 3. Stay away from disaster areas. T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y BOMB THREAT PROCEDURE ALL bomb threats MUST be taken seriously. If the caller is familiar with the building and specific about the location of the bomb, the call should be regarded with a high degree of urgency. ACTION TO BE TAKEN: 1. REMAIN CALM You want to be able to gain as much information as possible from the caller. These efforts will not be successful if you do not remain calm. 2. DO NOT try to transfer the call. 3. Ask the caller the following: a. WHEN? Will it go off b. Where? Is it located c. What? Type of bomb is it d. WHY? Are you doing this e. WHO? Are you On the attached form, note: Date and time of call
Phone line call was received on, and if possible, phone line used to make the call Exact words of caller Voice description: MALE OR FEMALE Accent Speech pattern Any unusual tone to voice Any background noise Intoxicated Familiarity of voice Time call was terminated 4. Notify the Denver Police Department 911 5. Notify the Security Dispatch Center 1102, and the Facilities Department 1152/1151. Personnel from the Security Unit and Facilities Department will work with police officials in searching the building. You may be asked to identify items in your work areas. Bomb Threat Procedures Page Two 6. DO NOT TOUCH SUSPICIOUS OBJECTS 7. The Security Dispatch Center will advise personnel, if appropriate, that a bomb threat has been received. You will be advised of any pertinent emergency instructions or the report of a false alarm. 8. Staff and customers are not encouraged to leave their work areas except at the direction of the emergency personnel (Police/ Fire Department, Security or Facilities). If a decision is made to evacuate the building, you will be instructed to implement the Emergency Evacuation Procedures. 9. If asked to evacuate, please take personal property, such as purses or briefcases, out of the building with you to facilitate the search process for unusual items and in the event the library is closed. 10. DO NOT CLOSE DOORS AS YOU LEAVE. 11. Do not discuss a bomb threat with anyone other than the Police, Security personnel, or your supervisor.
T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y ACCIDENT/ILLNESS PROCEDURE ACTION TO BE TAKEN: 1. Accident or Illness - Customer: A. If a customer has an accident/illness requiring immediate assistance or is found unconscious, call emergency assistance (9-911). Then call the Security Dispatch Center 1102. B. In calling for medical assistance, be sure to identify yourself, location (address), and information about the accident or injury. C. In an apparent heart attack or epileptic seizure, if the customer can talk, ask if they have medication and how to contact personal physician. D. Complete an accident report form, have the customer sign, if possible, and send to the Library Manager of Security.
2. Accident or Illness - Employee A. An employee who sustains an occupational accident, injury or illness must notify his/her supervisor immediately, and is required to go to the City Employees Medical Clinic, 605 Bannock Street or if after hours, to Denver General Hospital, for initial treatment. at a B. After initial examination at the City Employees Medical Clinic or Denver General Hospital, employee may request receive treatment facility of choice. C. An exception for serious injury or illness may be made and the employee treated at nearest medical facility. D. If the injury/illness is serious, dial 9-911 for emergency medical assistance. E. If the employee is going to the City Employees Medical Clinic, she/he must take a Clinic Pass that is signed by the supervisor, and the Employees Injury Report/Employee s Statement. This should be done within 48 hours of injury. F. The Supervisor then needs to complete the Supervisor s Report of Employee Injury report. ACCIDENT/ ILLNESS PROCEDURE Page Two G. If treatment is required, a Return To Work Pass must be signed by supervisor to acknowledge restrictions or limits that must be complied with when assigning duties. H. It is essential that all accidents, injuries and illnesses that are work related be reported to the supervisor as soon as possible so that the employee will be given correct assistance and forms to document actions. Enclosed are sample forms that are to be filled out. These forms should be kept at each location or department and can be ordered by contacting the Human Resources Office or the Security Unit. I. It is essential that all completed and signed forms related to work related injuries, accidents or illness be sent to the Manager of Security. 3. Accident Procedures - Vehicle A. Call the Denver Police Department (720-865-2000). Fill out police reports. B. If injuries sustained call 9-911 for assistance.
A. Notify Security Dispatch Center 1102 or Manager of Security 1110 office 303-890-0043 pager - on call D. Notify supervisor E. Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police or DPL Security arrives F. Exchange information with others involved if possible, if unable to locate owner - leave note on damaged property. If possible, note names of witnesses. G. State facts of accident to officer do not admit liability. The City Attorneys Office will decide liability. H. As soon as possible meet with the Manager of Security or the Security Supervisors to complete accident investigation forms. T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y POWER OUTAGE PROCEDURE The CENTRAL LIBRARY is designed with a number of battery-powered emergency lighting units, emergency systems and life safety systems. In the event of power outage, gas leaks, downed power lines, or large water leaks: 1. Notify Facilities Department 1152/1151 and Security Dispatch Center 1102 2. If you are unable to contact DPL Facilities or Security then you may call Xcel Energey: Emergency Service 24 Hour/ 7 days per week (800) 895-1999
Give them your name, address, floor or room number, and a description of the situation. ACTION TO BE TAKEN: 1. Follow the normal, established chain of communication to administration and management. DPL Administration, Facilities Management or security will determine IF evacuation is warranted. 2. If it is determined that power will not be restored for an extended period or if nearing the evening hours, it may be necessary to initiate the Emergency Evacuation Procedures. 3. If there is the smell of smoke, or signs of electrical shorts (sparking), or fire the Denver Fire Department should be notified immediately (911), and evacuation procedures implemented. T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y INTERNAL FLOOD RESPONSE PROCEDURE Large quantities of water can pose a safety hazard to library staff and customers. Immediate action must be taken to assure building occupant safety and the protection of the building contents. Do not touch or attempt to disconnect electrical equipment during flooding conditions. Stay away from all electrically energized equipment and devices. ACTION TO BE TAKEN: 1. Notify the Facilities Department (1152/1151) and the Security Dispatch Center (1102)
2. Evacuate the affected areas of the building, closing all doors behind you. 3. Move to a dry, safe area. 4. Elevators are not to be used due to the potential for a power outage. 5. The Security Dispatch Center will advise if further precautionary measures are to be taken. If a decision is made to evacuate the building, you will be instructed to implement the Emergency Evacuation Procedures. Remember that response to an emergency is a team effort, and be prepared to assist and calm customers. T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y PERSONNEL DISTURBANCE PROCEDURE Individuals who are disruptive or create a disturbance reduce the quality of the services we offer. Some may pose a potential safety hazard to our staff and customers. ACTION TO BE TAKEN: 1. Remain calm.
2. DO NOT attempt to subdue, restrain or take any action, which may provoke a confrontation with anyone causing a disturbance. 3. Call the police at 720-865-2000. This should be done out of the listening range of the individual(s) causing the disturbance. Identify yourself, your location and the nature of the disturbance. 4. Notify the Security Dispatch Center at 1102. 5. Avoid direct contact until assistance arrives. 6. When help arrives, one staff member should direct them to the problem and then return to their normal work area. 7. Follow the instructions given by the authorities. Request of the authorities the following information if DPL Security has not yet arrived: A. The name of the individual(s) causing the disturbance; B. The name and badge number of the responding officer(s). 8. Be prepared to provide information to the Police and DPL Security. The employee(s) who witnessed the disturbance should remain accessible to the Police and DPL Security. T H E D E N V E R P U B L I C L I B R A R Y EMERGENCY CLOSURE PROCEDURE The following is a checklist to help managers and supervisors determine when to close. Power Outage: Lighting: Consider the time of day, will daylight allow you to continue service? Will lighting allow customers and staff to safely use the restroom facilities? Will emergency lighting allow you to continue service? How long will the power be out? Plumbing:
Will the plumbing system continue to function without electrical power? *OSHA requires functioning restrooms and wash facilities for staff. We cannot remain open if the restrooms cannot be used due to poor lighting or plumbing problems. Elevator: If you have an elevator and remain open, how will you assist customers wanting access to above ground level areas? Fire Alarm System: Fire Alarm/Life Safety System connected to an emergency power source? How long will the system work on back up power? Plumbing or Heating/Air Conditioning: What are the weather conditions? Do we need to address concerns related to pipes freezing? Is the building too hot or too cold? Weather: Are there road closures? Is it an eminent threat to customer and staff? Is the branch assessable? Civil Disturbance: Is there an eminent threat to customers and staff? Is there damage to the building or building systems? Vandalism? Decision and Notification: If conditions are such that the Senior Librarian or Branch In-Charge person feels that we can not safely continue to be open, the Facilities Manager and the Manager of Security to determine if closure is necessary Or if we have alternative options that would allow us to remain open to the public. If a decision is made to recommend closure, the Senior Librarian would contact Director of Public Services, the Cluster Manager, Facilities Manager or the Manager of Security will authorize closure. Once a decision is made to close, the Senior Librarian will send out email notice to all staff.