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Allen Memorial Library

Allen Memorial Library Policies and Procedures Manual: Emergency and Safety

a collection of all policies and procedures for the VCSU Allen Memorial Library

Security

Allen Memorial Library is monitored by surveillance cameras provided and maintained by the University. As well, the Library maintains a security detection system in order to deter loss and damage due to theft, burglary, and/or vandalism. Staff safety is also a primary consideration. Library users are expected to quickly evacuate the building when fire or other emergency alarms are sounded or they are asked to do so by Library staff.

Library staff, in the event of an emergency, will summon campus safety and/or community law enforcement.

Lost and Found

Allen Memorial Library makes every effort to return items of value and importance to the library user should they be left in the Library. Items are held for the remainder of the semester, and then disposed of. If the item contains contact information the library user will be contacted.

Emergency Procedures

In the case of weather emergencies, fire, explosion, bomb threat, tornado or other major emergency, Allen Memorial Library follows the procedures as outlined in the University’s Emergency Preparedness Plan.

If an accident or medical emergency should occur within the Library, the Campus Emergency Office and Director of Library Services should be notified immediately. If critical medical assistance is needed, call 911.

VCSU Emergency Management
The VCSU OneStop Emergency Management page includes emergency procedures for multiple events.

VCSU Emergency Procedures Quick Guide

Fire Drills and Evacuation

Facilities Services will conduct fire drills periodically during the year. However, treat every alarm as if it were an actual fire. Follow all fire procedures during the drills. It is VCSU's policy that participation in fire drills is mandatory and you may be subject to disciplinary procedures for non-compliance.

VCSU Housing must conduct semester fire drills in accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

One fire drill should be conducted each semester with the assistance of the Valley City Fire Department. The fire drill is designed to give employees and students an opportunity to evacuate the Campus Academic Buildings in a non-emergency situation. All individuals must leave the building when the alarm sounds for the drill. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. In the event of a fire drill:

Faculty is required to clear out classrooms. Personal belongings within reach may be taken during the evacuation. Faculty should close windows and doors behind them and ensuring that the door is locked (this will help ensure the security of computers and other personal belongings left behind).
Staff Supervisors are required to clear out their office area and close all doors and windows (with the exception of large overhead doors). Some offices may develop their own fire alarm procedures to ensure the security of sensitive documents or money.
Before the "all clear" is given, Facilities Services employees will unlock classrooms. Staff will be responsible for unlocking their office areas.

DO NOT REENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL THE ALL CLEAR ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN MADE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OR CAMPUS OFFICIALS.

Fire Safety
General fire safety information for the VCSU campus.