This is an analysis of an article by UNESCO on managing disasters. It looks at the various types of emergencies and how UNESCO suggests interventions towards them. Of particular interest here is the fire emergency within a library setting and how effective plans can be put in place to counter such.
Emergency Management
Disaster Planning. Unesco.
Disasters are unexpected events that put people at risks. No one is absolutely free or immune from disasters. Therefore, disaster planning is an aspect that is important in the day-to-day lives of people in all spheres of life. Planning for disaster is a matter of great security .The article talks of need for disaster planning in libraries, archives the staff and collections. It is therefore important for any library or archive to have a disaster management plan which can be implemented incase of disasters. The article talks of the types of disasters, the effects of disaster and what is entailed in a disaster plan. A plan written formally is important as it helps any institution respond quickly, and in the most effective way in case of emergencies. The plan also helps organizations minimize the damage on a building, and what is contained in the buildings. The article gives a detailed explanation of everything one has to know relating to disaster in archives and libraries (Unesco, 2009).
Main points
The author's main points are; the principle causes of disasters categorized broadly into two namely, natural disaster and man-made disasters. Among the natural disasters given are floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and biological agents like micro-organisms. The manmade disasters are fires, power failures, spill of liquid chemicals, terrorism and war, deficiencies in building and explosions. Natural disasters are not preventable but there are some measures which can be taken to ensure that any possible trouble is eliminated and reduced. Damage of collections in archives and libraries are mainly as a result of water and fire.
Effects of disaster
There are various effects of disasters in libraries and archives. These are; fire which slowly burns book. Fires can also result to lead to discoloring of books that had not been affected. Water is absorbed by paper at different rates depending on the condition, age as well as the material the paper is composed of. Leather used to cover books shrinks and wrinkles, this damage is often irreparable. Other materials vulnerable to damage by water are microfilms, photographs and other disks. Earthquakes lead to collapsing of shelves that result to books dropping on the ground. Materials in libraries and archives can be eaten, shredded, soiled or stained by biological agents (Unesco, 2009).
Disaster plan
The disaster plan and its components are discussed in detail. The disaster plan comprises of four steps, these steps are prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. There is a detail explanation of each of the four phases.
Intended audience
The author's intended audiences are the people who are working in libraries or archives. The author intends for the staff in libraries and archives to be aware of the potential causes of disasters within their work area and how they could deal with these disasters incase they happen.
Disaster planning issues
As stated a disaster plan comprises of four phases the first phase is prevention which comprises of the identification and minimization of risks which can be posed within a building, fitting, equipment as well as the natural hazards that are found in natural hazards of an area. There can be inspection of buildings as well as alter factors that are potentially hazardous. It also involves the establishment of routine maintenance measures that will enable the building to withstand disaster. Installation of automatic detectors incase of fires .The next phase is the preparedness phase involves getting ready to cope with the disaster incase it actually happens. A written plan on preparedness, response and recovery should be in place, functioning and up-to -- date there should also be training of an in-house response steam for disasters. There should be documentation of building, inventory, names and contacts of response teams, disaster control services and so on. The plan should be distributed to all locations considered appropriate. Response is another phase of the disaster plan. Incase disaster actually strikes there should be set procedures to be followed. These include following emergency procedures in place for raising an alarm, personnel evacuation and ensuring the disaster site Is safe. The leader of the disaster response team should be contacted to brief and give direction to salvage personnel. Stabilizing the environment is important to ensure that no further damage occurs. There should be procedures in place that will ensure that appropriate people are alerted and are assembled quickly in case of disaster occurrence (Community Service Center, 2012).
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