Active Shooter

RUN.HIDE.FIGHT

If you are to ever find yourself in the middle of an active shooter event, your survival may depend on whether or not you have a plan. The plan doesn’t have to be complicated.

There are three things you could do that make a difference: Run. Hide. Fight.

RUN: First and foremost, if you can get out, do.

• If there is an escape path, attempt to evacuate
• Evacuate whether others agree to or not
• Leave your belongings behind
• Help others escape if possible
• Prevent others from entering the area
• Call 9-1-1 when you are safe

HIDE: If you can’t get out safely, you need to find a place to hide. Act quickly and quietly. Try to secure your hiding place the best you can.

• Lock and/or blockade the door
• Silence your cell phone/pager
• Hide behind large objects
• Remain very quiet

Your hiding place should:

• Be out of the shooter’s view
• Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction
• Not trap or restrict your options for movement

FIGHT: As a last resort, and only if your life is in danger . . . whether you’re alone or working together as a group, fight.

• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
• Act with physical aggression
• Improvise weapons
• Commit to your actions

Remember: The first responders on the scene are not there to evacuate or tend to the injured. They are well-trained, and are there to stop the shooter.

What to do when law enforcement arrives:

• Remain calm and follow instructions
• Keep your hands visible at all times
• Avoid pointing or yelling
• 
  

  Know that help for the injured is on its way
  resources:  www.homelandsecurity.gov

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.

KEEP DOORS CLOSED AND LOCKED

This is a reminder that we should always keep doors closed and locked.

Technical Service door should never be unlocked or left open.
Garage door should never be left open unattended.
Link doors should only be unlocked when there are meetings or an exhibit happening.
Outside doors should never be propped opened unattended. 

The public should never be in staff areas unless authorized by management. 

 

Sometimes being safe can be an inconvenience, but we all should value Library Staff and Property!

Loud conversation, or noise, including use of cell phones, electronics devices, etc. which is disturbing to other library users;

1. Loud conversation, or noise, including use of cell phones, electronics devices, etc. which is disturbing to other library users;

The Rowan Public Library Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement applies not only to our patrons but also to RPL staff as well. We too can be disruptive to our patrons.

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

No HOODIES at RPL

It's that time of year when our patrons will be coming in with clothing apparel that has a hood. Hoodies are not allowed to be worn inside RPL. So if you see a patron with their hoodie on please ask them to take it down while they are inside the library. Below are examples of how you can approach the patron.

Excuse me ma'am/sir you probably didn't realize, but you won't be allowed to wear your hoodie while inside the library.

Excuse me ma'am/sir you probably didn't know, but hoodies aren't allowed to be worn inside the library so would you please keep it down while your here.

Sometimes you can just use a hand gesture to the patron to take it down and they will comply.

Always give the patron a few minute when they come in to remove their hoodie themselves. Most patrons will wear their hoodie up as their coming in, but will remove it soon after they have arrived. If it appears that the patron is going to continue to wear it please approach the patron and inform them about our policy.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Absolutely NO consumption of food is allowed at RPL

Disruptive and Unacceptable Behavior Policy # 9 - No consumption of food, except in designated areas;

This is just a reminder that this policy applies to our patron, but it also applies to staff. There are designated areas in all departments where we can eat our snacks. It makes it very difficult to enforce policies when Patrons see us breaking them.

Thank you for your cooperation.