Emergency Response Kits for Libraries
Your emergency kit should be assembled and stored in the way that best suits your library’s specific needs. Consider factors such as building layout, available storage space, and the weight and size of the kit items. It’s important to develop policies and procedures for kit management and hold emergency preparedness training for staff.
Below is a list of suggested basic emergency kit items. Remember that emergency kits are intended to serve as stopgap measures when emergencies or disasters first occur.
Kit Documentation
- Emergency contacts and procedures
- Floor plans with emergency kit locations
- Incident tracking/report templates
- Kit usage policies and procedures
Absorbent Materials
- Absorbent pads
- Paper or PVA towels
- Sponges
- Towels/rags
PPE/Personal Safety
- Apron
- Coverall
- Dust/face masks
- First aid kit
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses/goggles
- Work gloves
Salvage/Recovery
- Blotter paper
- Drying racks
- Plastic trays
- Polybags/Ziploc bags
- Object tags/labels
Scene Safety/Clean-up
- Broom and dustpan*
- Bucket*
- Caution tape or signs
- Doorstop
- Fan(s)*
- Mop*
- Polyethylene sheeting
- Tarp
Tools
- Batteries
- Clipboard
- Duct tape
- Flashlight
- Notepad/notebook
- Pens/pencils
- Permanent markers
- Scissors
- Trash bags
- Utility knife
*Note: Multi-use or bulky items may need to be stored separately. Note this in the kit documentation and share locations with staff.