1 / 42

The Role of Libraries in Disaster Recovery: Lessons from Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey in October 2012, resulting in unprecedented destruction and widespread displacement. In response, the New Jersey Library Association activated disaster recovery efforts, transforming libraries into community recovery centers. This included information collection, support for FEMA applications, and resources for residents without power. Neptune Public Library played a key role in providing shelter, support services, and a hub for communication. This experience revealed the need for better disaster preparedness plans among libraries and highlighted the importance of community partnerships in recovery efforts.

charo
Télécharger la présentation

The Role of Libraries in Disaster Recovery: Lessons from Hurricane Sandy

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. A STORM CALLED SANDY Ports in a Storm: the Library as Disaster Recovery Center April 8, 2013 Sheraton Eatontown Oct. 29, 2012-The Day That Changed New Jersey Patricia Tumulty, Executive Director, New Jersey Library Association

  2. What Happened? Unprecedented Destruction • 346,000 homes destroyed or damaged • 7 million without power • 41,000 still out of their homes in January

  3. How the NJLA Responded • Status Check • Information Collection • Photo submission requests

  4. Donations from Around the Country • Rebuilding NJ Libraries Fund • To date raised approximately $10,000

  5. Donations from Around the Country • From Joplin to the Jersey Shore

  6. DONATIONS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY • Newport, RI • Los Angeles, Ca • Dearborn, MI • Champaign, IL • New York, NY • Oak Park, IL • Medina, OH • Danvers, MA • Society of Children’s Book Writers, IL • Omaha, NE • Bryn Ashyn, PA

  7. Libraries in the Hurricane Region Neptune Public Library • Told to pack a bag and be ready to work for 72 hours • Helped man phones in Town Hall, 24/7 for the first week • Entered FEMA data in spreadsheets • Documented township-wide street closures • Worked the High School transportation center • Staffed Senior Center kitchen and fed everyone • Delivered meals to homebound seniors • Manned an OEM tent to help with FEMA applications Active participant in Hurricane preparation efforts

  8. Staff told to pack a bag for 72 hours and report to work! WHAT WE DID: • Helped man phones in Town Hall, 24/7 for the first week • Entered FEMA data in spreadsheets • Documented township-wide street closures • Worked the High School transportation center • Staffed Senior Center kitchen and fed everyone • Delivered meals to homebound seniors • Manned an OEM tent to help with FEMA applications

  9. THE OEM TENT AND FEMA APPLICATIONS • Mayor requested loan of laptops lab and Outreach Librarian to staff it • Located in Shark River Hills, at the marina, worst destruction in town • Roads in some parts were impassable, so residents walked over to apply • 2 librarians and one staff from Neptune Public Library, and a volunteer from Monmouth County Library who lives in SRH • Staffed for five days • OEM truck was a mobile • command center that provided • power & WiFi node for internet access • We brought computers & power cables, • mice, power strips

  10. FEMA TENT, cont’d • Public Works brought tables & a propane heater, and later, portajohns • We actually input information if folks were not computer literate • Also served as a quick charging station, place to use internet for insurance claims, place to plug in cell phones and contact relatives • Local homeowner group was distributing information through us • Assisted over 150 residents before moving operations to Library on Nov. 7

  11. ONCE WE REOPENED … • We put out an Email blast through the Township • Added extra extension cords and power strips to meet demand • Moved furniture to accommodate more power-users • Book-dropped back to Oct.27 before the storm, for 3 weeks after • Suspended fines and fees • Board passed a resolution to waive losses

  12. HOW CAN NEPTUNE LIBRARY HELP YOU? • We are open and have: • Heat and comfortable seating • Electricity to charge your phones and devices • Help with filling out FEMA and unemployment applications • Computers with internet and printing • WiFi for all your devices • Movies for children and adults • Lots of books…and • Pleasant, smiling staff who are glad to see you! 25 Neptune Blvd 732-775-8241

  13. PLANTING THE SEEDS: • Started Mayor’s Book Club 5 years ago • Every year current Mayor invited to at least 2 photo ops/ programs • Mayor during Hurricane Irene requested that I work the shelter to entertain the children • Library participates in National Night Out, First Day programs at schools, Neptune Day, and the Black History celebration in February • One of the choices in Twp Email blasts is news from the Library • I attend retirement parties and other Twp events • MAKE SURE THAT THE FUNDERS KNOW • WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO!

  14. Libraries cannot envision the nature of all emergencies that might affect their communities.

  15. ++++++Lessons Learned • Not as prepared as we would have liked • Few libraries had a disaster plan • Why weren’t we all at the table like Neptune Library • How can we use our skills more effectively in the next crisis • What Role social media played • One word: PAPER

  16. Future Steps • Community Partnerships • Disaster Plans for every library including a communication plan • Staff Training • Statewide Response Coordination • Funding Opportunities to expand wireless access/broadband • Generator Support

  17. Rainbow over the marina at the end of a cold, exhausting day !

  18. REMEMBER WE ARE JERSEY STRONG

More Related