We have 2 floors and the downstairs (the Youth Dept) is out of sight from the main floor. Usually there is only one staff member working in the Youth Dept at a time. This is also where the public bathrooms are. Does anyone use a "panic button" system for the staff? Something to wear around your neck - a kind of "I've fallen and can't get up" thing in case of emergency? I've tried walkie talkies in the past, but staff get tired of carrying them around and "forget" :)
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Less than 24 hours after her post, Becky received 25 responses and shared the following helpful solutions with all:
Thank you to everyone who responded - I got over 25 emails back. Here is a summary of the responses with some unique solutions!
- 9 libraries have panic buttons installed at the circ desks or around the library. These are generally wired directly to the police department through an existing security system.
- 3 libraries use a phone or intercom system with code phrases. Warning: make sure all the staff are trained to know what to do when someone asks over the intercom "Is the pizza here yet?"
- 3 libraries have portable panic buttons
- 2 libraries issued whistles to staff
- 2 libraries use a wireless doorbell ($15 at Home Depot - genius!) to alert other staff
- 1 uses a boat horn
- 4 don't use anything, but think they perhaps should
- I think everyone agrees that the best solution would be to have 2 staff members on every floor.
Editor's Notes:
- See Also "Safety/Disaster Library Policies & Plans"
- Be sure to check the MBLC "AllRegions" Email List Archives as the discussion on this topic continues
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