Chapter 1
Creating A Disaster Plan With This Workbook
Does your institution have a disaster preparedness plan currently in effect? What would you or your staff do in the event of a flood or fire? If unsure of answers to these questions, it is imperative to start thinking about how to handle an emergency or a disaster at your institution. The purpose of this manual is to assist in disaster preparedness planning specifically designed for each unique institution.
Notice that this disaster manual is called a "self-planning workbook." This is because it provides a basic framework from which to compile a detailed disaster plan. By reading and working through these pages, the completed workbook will become an institution's disaster plan. Create the plan that is most relevant to the institution by entering details such as staff member's names, their titles, phone numbers, and other circumstances unique to the workplace, like information about the collections and the locations of certain items.
It is possible that not every detail of this workbook will be pertinent to an institution. Regardless of this, see if the basic principle behind the suggestion can somehow be adapted to a more fitting use for the institution.
Using the Blank Forms and Checklists
Use the forms provided or adapt and change them to the institution's specific needs. Remember to make additional copies of the blank forms before filling them in. That way, as information changes and as updates become necessary, information can be recopied onto the supply of blank forms and then inserted into the manual (while at the same time removing the old pages). Also, once all of the blank forms in this manual have been completed, make sure that sufficient copies are made available to the staff and personnel in the institution. It is a good idea to prominently post relevant forms in specific work areas.
The Need for Constant Revision
Changes in institution policy, personnel, collections, or locations can affect the currency and usefulness of the disaster plan. Phone numbers change, companies go out of business and these unexpected occurrences can significantly disrupt reaction time in the event of an emergency. It is very important to update the information included in the manual at least once a year.