Emergency Preparedness and Response

To help mitigate the impact of disasters on healthcare providers and their patients, the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) has developed and oversees an emergency preparedness and response plan to help network members maintain their information services in the event of a disaster. For state specific emergency information, click on the State Information page located in the navigation bar on the left, and then select your state-specific information. Alternately, see the State Resources section below.

Four Things YOU Can Do RIGHT NOW!

1. Memorize 1-800-DEV-ROKS
   This is the NN/LM toll-free number (1-800-338-7657) in an easy-to-remember form, ROKS without a "c". It connects to the regional office of the Greater Midwest Region. Call this number when disaster strikes and overwhelms your ability to continue to provide services. The GMR will respond and assist you based on the national NN/LM Plan.
2. Develop and maintain a disaster plan
   Even a little preparation, using simplified approaches, can substantially increase your ability to respond and recover from a disaster. For example, have you identified the unique resources you have and where they are located so you know what you must save when recovery time is limited? The NN/LM Emergency Preparedness & Response Toolkit can help you identify the four key elements of a disaster plan.
3. Identify a back-up library
   Develop a relationship with a partner library and create a formal or informal mutual understanding of what will help if disaster strikes. Use the Model MOU/MAA tab on the NN/LM Emergency Preparedness and Response Toolkit to find sample agreements.
4. Get to know your GMR Emergency Preparedness Regional Coordinator
   For a contact list and description of the coordinator's responsibilities, see NN/LM Greater Midwest Region Emergency Preparedness Regional Coordinator Role Statement ( 58 kb, rev: Feb 28, 2013)

State Resources

Each of our state pages has specific information about emergency resources in that state. Find more information for: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin.

Disaster Presentations

• NN/LM Disaster Communications Summit 2013, March 7-8, 2013
• Sharing Experiences and Lessons Learned from Hurricane Sandy , March 28, 2013

Web Links

• NLM Disaster Information Management Research Center
• NN/LM Emergency Preparedness and Response Toolkit
• NLM History of Medicine Emergency Preparedness and Response: How to Safely Stabilize, Salvage, and Recover Collections in a Water Emergency
• MLA Disaster Information Specialization Program

Handouts and Brochures

• Health Science Library PReP for Service Continuity
  (fill-in template, 51 kb, rev Nov 25, 2008)
• GMR: Disaster Struck – Now What?: Emergency Response Plan for Network Members
  (tri-fold brochure, 49 kb, rev: Jan 9, 2013)
• GMR: Expecting the Unexpected: National Emergency Response Plans for Libraries (poster 1437 kb),
  also available in PDF (PDF poster, 1195 kb) (rev: Mar 12, 2013)
• GMR: Preparedness Has Its Rewards: National Emergency Response Plans for Libraries (poster 562 kb),
  also available in PDF (PDF poster, 303 kb) (rev: Mar 15, 2013)
• GMR: Tips for Finding a "Buddy" Library
  (handout, 28 kb, rev: Mar 12, 2013)
• GMR: What If Disaster Strikes?: Planning and Preparations
  (tri-fold brochure, 103 kb, rev: Jan 9, 2013)
• Library Closed: How to Make a Quick Switch from Onsite to Offsite Service Provision in an Emergency
  (tri-fold brochure, 332 kb, rev: Feb 22, 2010)
• Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources: from the National Library off Medicine
  (flyer, 1.92 MB, rev. February 3, 2012)

For GMR Emergency Preparedness Regional Coordinators

• Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Regional Coordinators (25 kb, rev: Jan 9, 2013)