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 ( 44 kb, rev: Jan 26, 2012)

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.

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

Handouts and Brochures

• A 10-Step Service Continuity Plan for Libraries and Information Centers
  (fill-in template, 51 kb, rev Nov 25, 2008)
• A 10-Step Approach to Service Continuity Planning
  (tri-fold brochure, 1.20 MB, rev Jun 1, 2009)
• GMR: Disaster Struck – Now What?: Emergency Response Plan for Network Members
  (tri-fold brochure, 38 kb, rev: Oct 9, 2008)
• GMR: Expecting the Unexpected: National Emergency Response Plans for Libraries
  (poster, 2108 kb, rev: Nov 11, 2008)
  GMR: Expecting the Unexpected: National Emergency Response Plans for Libraries
  (poster, 614 kb, rev: Nov 11, 2008)
• GMR: Preparedness Has Its Rewards: National Emergency Response Plans for Libraries
  (poster, 97 kb, rev: Jan 4, 2010)
• GMR: What If Disaster Strikes?: Planning and Preparations
  (tri-fold brochure, 63 kb, rev: Oct 9, 2008)
• 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)
• NN/LM Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan
  (tri-fold brochure, 1.31 MB, rev Jun 1, 2009)
• Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources: from the National Library off Medicine
  (flyer, 69.3 kb, rev. June 17, 2009)

For GMR Emergency Preparedness Regional Coordinators

• Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Regional Coordinators (28 kb, rev: Jan 26, 2012)