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Inclement Weather Policy
I. Purpose of Policy
At times when the weather becomes hazardous to the health and safety of the public and/or library staff,
the library will close or take safety precautions.
II. Library Closures:
There are times prior to opening, especially in winter, when the weather could threaten the safety of the
public and library staff and would make reasonably safe travel to the library impossible. At such times, it
may be necessary to not open the library in part or in full. Furthermore, there are times during operating
hours, especially in winter, when the weather threatens the safety of the public and library staff and would
make reasonably safe travel to and from the library impossible. At such times, it may be necessary to
close the library early. The decision to close or postpone the opening of the library due to inclement
weather is at the discretion of the Library Director or his/her chosen substitute.
III. Library Safety Measures Due to Inclement Weather:
A. There are times when the weather becomes dangerous while the library is open. At times, this
may require closing the library so staff and the public can get home safely. Library closures are at
the discretion of the Library Director or his/her chosen substitute. Other times, the library may
need to take safety measures to protect staff and the public. This is especially true in the spring,
summer, and autumn when thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible.
B. When the National Weather Service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Warning the library will notify
patrons of the impending weather. When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect, Severe
Weather signs will be posted at the service desks that read: “The National Weather Service has
issued a Severe Weather Warning. Take necessary precautions. Dangerous Lightning, Wind,
Hail, and possible Tornadoes can develop. If a Tornado Warning is issued, the library will require
you to take cover or leave the library immediately.”
Additionally, an announcement on the Public Address System will be made alerting patrons that
reads: “The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Weather Warning. Threatening
weather conditions may develop. If a Tornado Warning is issued, the library will require you to
take cover or leave the facility immediately.”
C. When a Tornado Watch is issued, library staff will inform patrons of the possibility of a tornado
developing. The Severe Weather signs will be posted at service desks, and the following
announcement will be made: “The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch.
Threatening weather conditions may develop. If a Tornado Warning is issued, the library will
require you to take cover or leave the facility immediately.”
D. In the event of a Tornado Warning, the following announcement will be made: “The National
Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning. At this time, the library requires you to take
cover under the direction of the library staff or leave the facility immediately.” Library staff will
strongly encourage the public to remain at the library and take cover in the designated areas for
their safety, but staff cannot require that they remain in the library. For the safety of staff and the
public, public areas of the library must be cleared. Once in the designated safety areas, staff and
patrons will stay in those areas until the Tornado Warning expires. Weather radio, flashlights,
water are located in the Storage Room main shelter area. If possible, staff should bring these
items to other designated areas and bring a personal mobile phone to all designated areas.