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Disaster Preparedness Plan
Cable Natural History Museum
August 2014
Approved by the Cable Natural History Museum Board of Directors, August 15, 2014
PART I: INTRODUCTION
Mission
The mission of the Cable Natural History Museum is connecting people to Northwoods nature
through educational experiences that inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility.
Statement of Purpose
The Cable Natural History Museum’s staff and board of directors are committed to creating a
safe building and environment, where emergencies and possible disasters are anticipated and
responded to in an efficient manner in order to minimize injury and damage. The Cable Natural History
Museum disaster plan addresses the prevention and response to emergencies that may affect visitors,
staff, and Museum collections. This plan focuses on emergencies that are more likely to occur in
Northwest Wisconsin, where the Cable Natural History Museum is located.
This plan includes procedures designed for quick and efficient response during the early stages
of an emergency. This plan is to be distributed to all full-time and part-time staff, kept in all offices
occupied by staff and available in prominent areas of the museum.
Locations of Disaster Plans
Onsite Location
Museum Director’s Office
Naturalist/Educator’s Office
Naturalist/Curator’s Office
Office Manager’s Desk
Docent Desk (Lower shelf of Cupboard on Right)
Classroom (Cupboards above sinks)
Offsite Location
Museum Director’s Home
McKinney Realty Office
Forest Lodge Library Front Desk
Board Chair’s Home
Building and Grounds Committee Chair’s
Home
Revisions and Updates
This disaster plan will be revised and updated on a yearly basis by the Museum Director with
assistance from the Board of Directors. This will ensure that all procedures are aligned with current
museum practices and updated with current technologies and policies.
PART II: PREPARATION
Facilities Preparation and Maintenance
The Museum facilities are maintained and inspected for staff, volunteer, and visitor safety and
collections security. The Cable Natural History Museum’s Buildings and Grounds committee is
responsible for ensuring that all facilities are safe by establishing and following a maintenance schedule.
Regular maintenance of facilities includes the following:
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Routine schedule of outdoor landscape maintenance (e.g., gutters are cleaned, trees are kept
trimmed with no overhanging branches, etc.)
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Emergency exits are clearly marked and kept clear of obstacles.
Roof is inspected for leaks, damage, etc.
The Disaster Preparedness Plan is placed in strategic areas for quick reference and use.
Fire prevention measures and protection equipment is in place and professionally inspected on
a routine basis.
Normal safe work practices are followed routinely and staff are familiar with emergency
procedures outlined in this plan.
Emergency phone numbers are located in visible areas.
Refer to the following appendices for more information regarding facilities maintenance and
preparation:
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Appendix A: Building Maintenance Schedule.
Appendix B: Maintenance Inspection Checklist for Plumbing and Heating Equipment.
Appendix C: Building Project Directory. Use this list to find contacts for specific areas of
building construction.
Appendix D: Warranty Contacts. Use this list to find contacts for warranty information.
Collections Emergency Kit
A collections emergency kit is located in the collections room next to the main doors. It is a welllabeled plastic tote. Inside are materials that are needed to recover collections in the case of a disaster,
particularly in case of water damage. See Appendix E for a complete list of its contents.
Staff/Volunteer Training
The Cable Natural History Museum is committed to ensuring all staff and volunteers are
adequately prepared in the event of a disaster or emergency. To that extent, all staff and volunteers are
expected to:
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Understand this Disaster Preparedness Plan.
Know the location of exits and understand evacuation routes.
Be familiar with locations of emergency equipment and supplies.
Know where emergency phone numbers are located.
Report potential hazards or safety concerns to Museum Director.
Emergency Response Team
The entire staff of the Cable Natural History Museum is responsible for a quick response to
disasters and an efficient recovery. Specific team roles are assigned to full-time staff members to ensure
that all contingencies are covered during an emergency. Disaster team role descriptions are found in
Appendix F for quick reference.
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Team Role
Incident Commander
Operations Officer
Security and Registration Officer
Media Officer
Logistics Officer
Finance Officer
Staff Title
Museum Director
Naturalist/Curator
Naturalist/Curator
Museum Director
Naturalist/Educator
Office Manager
Staff Name
Deb Malesevich
Katie Connolly
Katie Connolly
Deb Malesevich
Emily Stone
Leslie Strapon
PART III: EMERGENCY RESPONSE
General Procedures: During an Emergency
During an initial response to an emergency, the following steps will be taken. Human life and
safety are the first priority in all emergencies. This is paramount to all emergency responses.
1. Notify the Museum Director immediately. He/she will initiate the call tree (Appendix G) and
notify the Emergency Response team (Appendix F).
2. Stay calm. Remain calm and do your best to keep others calm.
3. Evacuate the Building if the emergency endangers staff or visitors by following the Evacuation
Procedures.
4. Notify Authorities if needed. Dial 911 for police, ambulance, or fire.
5. Assemble the Emergency Response Team. The team will meet at the Museum or at a
designated offsite facility to initiate the disaster response.
6. Further action depends on the type of threat and whether a response or recovery situation. For
further information refer to the following procedural steps for the individual emergency.
Incident Report
Following all emergency incidents, an Incident Report Form must be filled out and returned to
the Museum Director. This includes all medical emergencies or first aid given. See Appendix K for a copy
of the Incident Report Form. Additional copies are also kept in the rear of this binder.
Phone Tree
The emergency phone tree is located at all workspaces in a visible location. Upon the event of
an emergency, it is activated immediately. See Appendix G for the complete phone tree.
Evacuation Procedures
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Remain calm and keep others calm.
Always respond to an evacuation order. Do not assume the situation is a drill or false alarm.
Leave quickly.
Staff and volunteers should assist visitors to the nearest exit. Staff and volunteers should also
check all restrooms, the classroom, and exhibit area to make sure nobody is left inside the
building.
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5. Accompany and assist visitors or employees who appear to need direction or extra assistance.
6. Shut doors behind you as you leave. Closed doors can slow the spread of smoke, fire, and water.
7. Once outside, ensure that everyone is a safe distance from the building. Go to the designated
assembly area, which is in front of the Forest Lodge Library.
8. Remain in the assembly area and wait for further instructions.
See Appendix I for a map of Emergency Exits.
SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES
During severe weather, monitor local radio stations and weather radio for developments. A
weather radio is kept on at all times in the Museum office and has automatic alerts for severe weather
watches and warnings.
Severe Thunderstorm
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of
severe thunderstorms, producing at least 1-inch diameter hail and/or 50-knot (58 mph) or greater wind
speeds.
1. Monitor current weather conditions. Make sure weather radio is on and working, and that
flashlights are in working order. Be prepared for the storm to upgrade to a Severe Thunderstorm
Warning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that a severe thunderstorm warning has developed, capable of
producing hail greater than 1-inch in diameter and/or 50-knot (58 mph) wind speeds.
Tornado
A Tornado Watch means that atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe
thunderstorms capable of producing tornados. During a tornado watch:
1. Prepare the building’s tornado safety areas for visitors and employees. The tornado safety areas
in the Museum are:
 The men’s restroom
 The education closet (located in the Museum classroom)
 Museum gift shop storage (located in hallway across from Naturalist’s Office)
 Museum workshop/studio in the large tower (located on the east end of the
exhibit hall)
These areas are near the center of the building and have no windows. See Appendix H for a map
of the tornado safety areas in the building.
2. Alert visitors and staff that a tornado watch has been issued and make sure they understand the
procedures to follow if the watch is upgraded to a warning.
3. Make sure windows and doors are secure.
4. Monitor weather through radio, television stations, and/or internet.
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A Tornado Warning means that a severe thunderstorm has developed and has either produced a
tornado or radar has indicated intense low level rotation in the presence of atmospheric conditions
conducive to tornado development. During a tornado warning:
1. Move everyone to the building’s tornado safety areas. Bring a weather radio to one of the safety
areas.
2. Remain in the safety area until the radio reports the warning is over.
FIRE PROCEDURES
Fire occurs in an Occupied Building
Fire is quite small and contained and occurs in an occupied building:
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Call 911.
Disconnect electrical equipment if it is on fire and if it is safe to do so.
Attempt to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher.
Do not let the fire come between the firefighter and the exit.
Fire occurs in an occupied building:
1. Call 911.
2. Evacuate all staff and visitors immediately, following evacuation procedures above. Keep close
to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation.
3. Close doors and windows in the area of the fires to isolate it from other areas, if possible.
See Appendix I for a map of emergency exits.
Wildfire Approaching
1. Remove any combustible material from around the building.
2. Close all doors to prevent drafts.
3. Be ready to evacuate immediately when instructed to do so.
MEDICAL/HEALTH EMERGENCY
A first aid kit is located behind the docent desk at the front of the Museum. Small first aid kits are also
carried by staff naturalists at offsite activities.
UNLESS IT IS A LIFE-THREATENING INJURY, IF NOT TRAINED IN FIRST AID, DO NOT RENDER FIRST AID
YOURSELF. If not properly trained, administering first aid can cause more harm than good.
1. Notify the Museum Director. If the Museum Director is not available, contact a staff member.
2. Survey the scene and determine if it is safe to assist the victim.
3. Determine what happened and the extent of the illness or injury.
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4. Identify persons trained in first aid, and obtain victim’s consent before first aid is administered.
If the victim in unconscious, or a child without a parent or guardian present, assume consent has
been given.
5. If the medical problem is minor (small cuts, bruises, scrapes, etc.) and can be handled by staff,
follow first aid procedures if you have first aid training. If not, contact a staff member.
6. If the medical problem is major (broken bones, unconsciousness, etc.) and cannot be handled
by staff, immediately call 911.
a. Do not leave the victim unattended if possible. If you are alone, leave the victim only
long enough to phone for medical assistance, then return to the victim.
b. Send someone outside to direct ambulance personnel to the scene.
c. If you have first aid training, administer first aid as your training deems necessary.
d. Do not move the victim unless the scene becomes unsafe.
e. Remain calm and reassure visitors and staff. Keep curious visitors and staff away from
the victim. Do not discuss, except with the director or emergency personnel, the
possible cause of an accident or any condition that might have contributed to it.
f. Avoid unnecessary conversation with or about the victim as this could add to the
person’s distress and send them into shock. Limit your communication to quiet
reassurances.
g. Do not apologize or take blame for the action.
h. Direct emergency medical personnel to the scene. Remain on the scene to answer
questions or assist.
FLOODING
1. Immediately notify a staff member.
2. Notify Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair, Naturalist/Curator, and Museum Director.
3. Switch off utilities to the affected area, including the water supply, if it safe to do so. Check for
live wires.
4. If there is any possible danger, evacuate the area. Remember human safety is the first priority.
5. Locate the collections emergency tote and make sure it is readily available for recovery supplies.
6. Determine the cause of the leak and if it is safe to enter the affected area.
7. Determine if something can be done immediately to stop the leak or contain it, such as diverting
the water source, placing a bucket underneath the leak, unclogging a drain, etc.
8. If you are confident in your ability to stop the leak or water source, do so cautiously.
9. Be prepared to assist as directed in protecting threatened objects.
10. Take essential steps to avoid or reduce immediate water damage:
a. Move collections not yet affected to a safe area.
b. Cover large objects and shelves with plastic sheeting.
c. Be sure all collections are off the floor and on shelving.
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POWER FAILURE
1. Remain calm.
2. Provide assistance to visitors and staff in your immediate area. Employees will move through all
public spaces with flashlights, escorting visitors to safety.
3. If you are in an unlighted area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.
4. If instructed to evacuate, proceed to the nearest exit. See Appendix I for a map of emergency
exits.
BOMB THREAT
It is possible, although highly unlikely, that a staff member could receive a threatening phone call or
letter indicating that a bomb is present on site.
1. If a bomb threat is delivered by telephone:
a. Remain calm.
b. Listen carefully to the details of the threat and write down information.
c. Attempt to keep the caller talking long enough to address pertinent questions from the
bomb threat report (see Appendix J).
d. Silently alert a co-worker to call police, or call police IMMEDIATELY on another phone
after the caller hangs up.
e. DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE, even if the caller does. Use another phone to dial 911.
2. If a bomb threat is delivered by note or letter:
a. Place the letter in a clean plastic bag. Do not handle it further.
b. Note any information concerning its receipt, such who delivered it, suspicious
bystanders, etc.
3. Calmly evacuate buildings and grounds immediately. Law enforcement may evacuate nearby
buildings and move vehicles and crowds.
4. If a bomb is found, ask police to allow staff to move nearby objects or drape heavy blankets. If
staff is not allowed, ask police if they will do it. Respect police instructions.
ARMED ROBBERY
During a robbery:
1. Remain calm. Fully cooperate with the individual or individuals committing the crime. Your
safety and the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff is of primary importance. If money is
involved, give it willingly.
2. While cooperating during the course of the crime, note the individual(s)’ physical appearance,
such as sex, height, weight, eye color, hair color, scars, tattoos, clothing, or unusual features.
3. If the perpetrator’s vehicle was observed, note its color, style, make/model, license plate
number, direction of arrival/departure.
Immediately following a robbery:
1. Call 911 and notify the Museum Director.
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2. Do not disturb or touch anything near the scene of the crime. Close the building, if necessary.
3. Obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, and statements of any witnesses. Ask witnesses to
remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
4. Immediately write down everything you remember about the crime. Note descriptive
information regarding the perpetrator(s).
5. Start an incident report. (See Appendix K)
PART IV: EMERGENCY RECOVERY AND REVIEW
General Procedures: After an Emergency
1. Attend to the injuries of visitors, volunteers, and staff (See Medical/Health Injury section)
2. Reassemble staff.
a. Locate staff if they are not already at the Museum.
b. Be sure emergency team members are on-site.
3. Establish an emergency command center where the emergency coordinator and the media
liaison may be reached, messages may be left and relayed, supplies are coordinated, and
assignments are made.
4. Assess the damage.
a. Contact authorities (police, fire department, health inspector, etc.) before re-entering
the site, if necessary. Do not re-enter the site if a criminal investigation is in progress.
b. Conduct a site survey to evaluate the damage. Assess risks and liability concerns.
c. Document building, object, and/or equipment damage with photographs, videotape,
and written records.
d. Contact the Buildings and Grounds committee chair to secure utilities if possible,
necessary, and safe to do so. Do not use plumbing or electrical devices until all utility
lines have been thoroughly checked.
5. Review the situation.
a. Determine specific recovery needs and goals. Prioritize recovery measures and
determine what resources are needed.
6. Begin building stabilization and restoration as necessary.
a. Secure funding.
b. Gather supplies and prepare recovery areas.
c. Secure the building and grounds. Limit access in damaged areas to essential personnel.
d. Watch for previously undetected structural damage, glass, down electrical lines, broken
gas lines, and other hazards. Report these immediately to the Buildings and Grounds
Committee Chair.
e. Arrange for backup electricity, clean water, recovery operation areas, etc.
f. Contact organizations for alternate storage locations (See Appendix F, Disaster Team
Role Descriptions, for contact information for storage locations and recovery center
contacts.)
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7. Recovery
a. Maintain staff morale. Set a date for reopening. Review and coordinate claims and
restoration work.
b. Maintain the public’s goodwill. Issue press releases. Solicit volunteer help. Prepare a list
of the museum’s needs and make it available to interested organizations and members
of the public.
c. Clean buildings and grounds. Remove debris, standing water.
d. Contact qualified contractors and conservators to assist with collections restoration.
8. Analyze the incident.
a. Evaluate emergency response techniques and modify, if necessary.
b. Update prevention and security measures to prevent further incidents from occurring or
to mitigate their potential damage.
c. Return objects to storage.
d. Monitor buildings, collections, and grounds for long-term damage.
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