Time Out for Safety Issue

Time Out for Safety Issue

If you see anything lying on the floor please pick it up.

Some Examples: paper, writing utensils, plastic bags, drink bottles, books.

If you see furniture out of place take the time and move it back to where it belongs.

Please consider placing step stools under the catalog desks. This way no one will trip over them and staff will always know where to find them. 

If you see an unsupervised bag sitting around, find out who it belongs to. If you cannot find the owner see if you can find something inside the bag to ID its owner. Never open a bag by yourself. 

If the bag looks suspicious call the police.

We all have a responsibility to keep the Library Safe and Clean.

Parking Lot Safety

Holiday Shopping Safety

Meeting Room Emergency Exits

Never BLOCK Emergency Exits.

During summer reading the rooms get crowded so keep in mind not to block any exit with anything including people. Paths to and from emergency exits should stay clear at all times!

If you see a blocked emergency exit please take the time to unblock it or asked who is blocking the exit to keep it clear. This goes for all Emergency Exits through out the buildings.

Everyone is responsible for keeping Patrons and Staff safe.

Parking Lot Safety

 There have been a lot of reports lately on car break-ins.

Beware of your surroundings and don't leave anything in your car of value to you.

Street Smarts

General Safety Tips

·        Follow your intuition -- trust your feelings. If you feel that a situation is not right, move out of the situation.

·        Be aware of your surroundings. 

·        Walk confidently and alertly.

Being Safe On The Street

·        Be aware that walking alone at night may be dangerous.

·        If you are being followed or you see a person or group further down the street who makes you feel uncomfortable, cross the street, walk in another direction, or ask other people walking if you may walk a short distance with them.

·        When walking near the car to your home or apartment, carry your house keys in your hand. Don’t stand in a doorway and fumble in your purse or pocket for your keys. Have them ready to use.

·        Use a grocery cart when you have many packages. You make a good mark when your arms are full.

·        While waiting for public transportation, keep your back against a wall (or pole) so that you cannot be surprised from behind.

·        Know your routes. Notice lighting, alleys, abandoned buildings and street people.

·        If you are going somewhere in a city with which you aren't familiar, check a map, know where you are going. Looking lost increases vulnerability.

If You Are Confronted

·        If may seem like a good idea to tell a robber that you have no money, but this technique may backfire. It is safer to give up a few dollars. Carry a little money separate from your other funds in an accessible place.

·        If someone demands your property and displays or implies in any way that they have a weapon, don't resist.

·        If someone tries to grab you, make a scene. Scream, kick, fight . . . do what you can to get away and attract attention.

Personal Safety Tips

1. If you are carrying a wallet, keep it in a front pocket.
2. Be sure to walk in well-lit, highly-traveled streets…even during daytime hours. Never take shortcuts through parking lots or alleys.
3. If walking on a sidewalk near a street, always walk facing the traffic to avoid being surprised by someone in a vehicle.
4. If someone is walking behind you or approaching you and you are unsure of their intent, make direct eye contact with them to let the person know that you are aware, you see them and you are not a victim.
5. If you think you are being followed, abruptly switch directions or duck into a police station, fire station, hospital, business or public place and ask for help.
6. In your cell phone contacts, program “ICE,” which stands for “in case of emergency,” linking it to a family member or friend…someone you trust the police, firemen or other authorities to call if you are unable to call for yourself.
7. Program 9-1-1 into your direct dial feature of your cell phone.
8. Remember that talking on your cell phone or listening to headphones in public makes you easy prey.
9. Change your walking routine by planning different routes and take note of “safe places” you could go should something happen.
10. When approaching your home or vehicle, never fumble in your pocket, purse or bag for keys; have them in your hand prior to reaching the door.
11. When approaching your parked car, look and make sure no one is hiding in or around your vehicle, especially in the back seat.
12. When on public transportation, cover your jewelry. Turn stone rings toward the palm side of your hand.
13. Keep your space: intimate space = 0 to 1.5 feet; personal space = 1.5 to 4 feet; social space = 4 to 12 feet; and public space = 12 feet or more

Safety In Numbers

Just a reminder, as a safety precaution we all walk out together at closing after Security, Management or Librarian in Charge gives the okay.

It's important we look out for each other insuring that all staff gets to their vehicles safely. 

A few safety tips.

• Watch for suspicious persons.
• Sense danger, go back inside.
• Have your keys out and ready to unlock your vehicle.
• Check out your vehicle from a distance.
• Look into your car before entering.
• Quickly get inside your vehicle.
• Lock all doors and start the engine.
• Look around as you adjust yourself to drive.