Oct. 29, 2012-The Day That Changed New Jersey

Ports in a Storm: the Library as Disaster Recovery CenterApril 8, 2013

Sheraton Eatontown

Patricia Tumulty, Executive Director, New Jersey Library Association

What Happened?

Unprecedented Destruction

346,000 homes destroyed or damaged7 million without power41,000 still out of their homes in January

How the NJLA Responded

Status Check

Information Collection

Photo submission requests

Donations from Around the Country

Rebuilding NJ Libraries FundTo date raised approximately

$10,000

Donations from Around the CountryFrom Joplin to the Jersey Shore

DONATIONS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

Newport, RILos Angeles, CaDearborn, MIChampaign, ILNew York, NYOak Park, ILMedina, OHDanvers, MASociety of Children’s Book Writers, ILOmaha, NEBryn Ashyn, PA

Libraries in the Hurricane RegionNeptune Public Library Told to pack a bag and be ready to work for 72 hours• Helped man phones in Town Hall, 24/7 for the first week

• Entered FEMA data in spreadsheets

• Documented township-wide street closures

• Worked the High School transportation center

• Staffed Senior Center kitchen and fed everyone

• Delivered meals to homebound seniors

• Manned an OEM tent to help with FEMA applications

Active participant in Hurricane preparation efforts

Staff told to pack a bag for 72 hours and report to work!

WHAT WE DID:•Helped man phones in Town Hall, 24/7 for the first week

•Entered FEMA data in spreadsheets

•Documented township-wide street closures

•Worked the High School transportation center

•Staffed Senior Center kitchen and fed everyone

•Delivered meals to homebound seniors

•Manned an OEM tent to help with FEMA applications

THE OEM TENT AND FEMA APPLICATIONS• Mayor requested loan of laptops lab and Outreach Librarian to staff it

•Located in Shark River Hills, at the marina, worst destruction in town

•Roads in some parts were impassable, so residents walked over to apply

•2 librarians and one staff from Neptune Public Library, and a volunteer from Monmouth County Library who lives in SRH

•Staffed for five days

•OEM truck was a mobile command center that provided power & WiFi node for internet access

•We brought computers & power cables, mice, power strips

•Public Works brought tables & a propane heater, and later, portajohns

•We actually input information if folks were not computer literate

•Also served as a quick charging station, place to use internet for insurance claims, place to plug in cell phones and contact relatives

•Local homeowner group was distributing information through us

•Assisted over 150 residents before moving operations to Library on Nov. 7

FEMA TENT, cont’d

ONCE WE REOPENED …

•We put out an Email blast through the Township

•Added extra extension cords and power strips to meet demand

•Moved furniture to accommodate more power-users

•Book-dropped back to Oct.27 before the storm, for 3 weeks after

•Suspended fines and fees

•Board passed a resolution to waive losses

HOW CAN

NEPTUNE LIBRARY

HELP YOU?

We are open and have:•Heat and comfortable seating•Electricity to charge your phones and devices•Help with filling out FEMA and unemployment applications•Computers with internet and printing•WiFi for all your devices•Movies for children and adults•Lots of books…and•Pleasant, smiling staff who are glad to see you!

25 Neptune Blvd 732-775-8241

PLANTING THE SEEDS:•Started Mayor’s Book Club 5 years ago

•Every year current Mayor invited to at least 2 photo ops/ programs

•Mayor during Hurricane Irene requested that I work the shelter to entertain the children

•Library participates in National Night Out, First Day programs at schools, Neptune Day, and the Black History celebration in February

•One of the choices in Twp Email blasts is news from the Library

•I attend retirement parties and other Twp events

MAKE SURE THAT THE FUNDERS KNOW

WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO!

Libraries cannot envision the nature of all emergencies that might affect their communities.

++++++

Lessons LearnedNot as prepared as we would have likedFew libraries had a disaster planWhy weren’t we all at the table like Neptune

LibraryHow can we use our skills more effectively in the

next crisisWhat Role social media playedOne word: PAPER

Future Steps

Community PartnershipsDisaster Plans for every library including a communication planStaff TrainingStatewide Response Coordination Funding Opportunities to expand wireless access/broadbandGenerator Support

Rainbow over the marina at the end of a cold, exhausting day !

REMEMBER

WE ARE

JERSEY STRONG