Check out our new site!

Fire 

Do not panic, but do not under-estimate the potential danger to patrons or staff represented by a fire. At the first indication of smoke or flame, investigate the situation to determine location and extent of the fire. If the fire can obviously be contained and extinguished quickly and safely by staff, proceed to do so. However, if there is any doubt about whether the fire can be controlled, immediately call 911 or the fire department and then clear the building. 

 Health emergencies 

Staff members should exercise caution when administering first aid of even a minor nature because of the safety of the injured individual and the potential liability of the staff member. Without specialized training it is not advisable for staff to undertake more than keeping the sick or injured patron comfortable and protected from needless disturbance until medical help can be obtained. Since each case is unique, staff members should use their own judgment to do what is prudent and reasonable. 

The Rescue Squad/Police (911 ) should be called immediately in the event of any serious problem. 

No medication, including aspirin, should ever be dispensed to the public. 

Bomb threats 

Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask the caller to repeat the message and try to write down every word spoken by the person. 

If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, ASK FOR THIS INFORMATION. 

Pay particular attention to peculiar background noises such as motors running, background music and any other sounds which may indicate where the location from which the call is originating. 

Listen closely to the voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, excited), accents and speech impediments. 

Immediately after the caller hangs up, call the police. Clear the building. The police will handle the actual bomb search. 

Snow storms 

The Library will follow the recommendation and actions of the County Sheriff’s Dept. or if necessary, at the discretion of the Library Director. 

If the snow event is serious enough to cause school closings, the library will close at the discretion of the Library Director. Notification of closing will be posted on the radio as well as Facebook.

Revised by the Ashville Free Library Board of Trustees 5/24/2022