This is the Emergency Procedures Book I created for the Taft Museum of Art. This booklet serves as an resource guide for staff in use in emergency situations.

1. TAFT MUSEUM OF ART
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FLIP BOOK

2. Illustrator Snapshot

3. Staff Emergency Procedures
For Security or Emergency call
Ext. 49 or 241-2310

4. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Introduction to the Taft Museum of Art
Staff Emergency Procedures
This booklet serves as a resource guide for staff responses to emergency situations at the Taft Museum of Art. Each staff
member should take the time to read this manual and understand how to respond to each situation. Reference copies of
this manual are placed throughout the public areas of the museum.
This resource is to complement the Taft Museum of Art’s Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan. This comprehensive
plan is located in the offices of the director, chief of security, director of operations, chief curator, and registrar.
During an emergency it is important to remember to stay calm. All staff members and volunteers should be familiar with
the location of all emergency exits and fire pull boxes.
Finally, all media requests regarding emergencies are to be directed to Public Relations.
INTRODUCTION

5. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
CHEMICAL SPILLS
Prevent spills by storing chemicals in appropriate Containers.
1. If a spill occurs immediately flush the skin or eyes of any person who was affected with water. Remove any affected clothing. Call Security.
2. If a caustic material is involved, notify security central with need for emergency medical assistance. Describe the
chemical spilled and the location of the spill.
3. Close the door behind the spill and stay clear of the immediate area.
4. Security central will contact police and fire emergency teams if necessary.
5. Clean up will be done according to the “Accidental Release Measures” protocols in the Material Safety Data
Sheets on file in the Security office.
CHEMICAL SPILLS

6. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
SUSPICIOUS PERSON
If a suspicious person is found to be on museum property:
1. Move to a safe area and contact security central at extension 49.
2. Give security a complete description of the individual including the location of the individual.
3. Security will dispatch an officer to the area. Security will attempt to keep the suspicious person in view by
camera and visual contact.
4 Security will notify 911 if necessary and stay on the line to guide the responding police units to the suspicious
person.
5. After the situation has stabilized or an arrest has been made, security will meet with staff members involved, and
police officers to complete a full report.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON

7. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
ARMED INTRUDER / HOSTAGE SITUATION
1. Upon discovery of an armed intruder, immediately notify security central at extension 49 with your emergency
giving your location and description of the suspect or suspects.
2. Security central will notify 911 and keep them on the line until the situation is resolved.
3. An e-mail will be sent to all staff members with the status of “Importance High” requiring them to immediately
evacuate their office by the nearest exit advising them of what area they are to avoid.
4. Security central will advise all security officers to begin an orderly evacuation using fire evacuation routes and
considering the area that contains the intruder the same as a fire area.
5. Do not approach armed individuals. Guests, staff and volunteers are to be moved as far from the area of the
intruders as possible during the evacuation.
6 Evacuated individuals will be directed to the Lincoln statue in Lytle Park.
ARMED INTRUDER / HOSTAGE SITUATION

8. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
Tornado
1. Weather alert radio will sound alarm for tornado warning.
2. Security officers will escort staff & guests into the P1 security hallway and ensure that the museum and garage
are secured.
3. After the storm has passed, an “all-clear” signal will be broadcast. Security and collections will begin roving
patrols to assess damage. If no damage is found,. return to normal operations.
4. If there is damage, the museum will be closed and an investigation and damage assessment will begin. 911 Is to
be contacted. Security will assist guests in leaving the museum after the all clear has been given.
5. Security will begin roving patrols throughout the facility. Collections staff will begin to remove and store collection if necessary. Contractors will be immediately notified to begin emergency repairs. Security staff will ward off
on-lookers and intruders.
6. If there is a police response, a security officer will meet police and fire units at the Kaplan entrance.
TORNADO

9. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
GAS LEAKS
1. If a staff, volunteer, or guest smells gas or becomes aware of a gas leak notify security central immediately at
extension 49.
2. Security will try to determine the source and concurrently notify Duke Energy at 651-4466
3. If an evacuation is ordered, calmly inform guests & staff to follow you to the nearest exit. See posted evacuation
routes for nearest exit.
4. Two officers will be assigned to a wheelchair bound person to aid evacuation if needed.
5. Floor captains are to accompany employee/volunteer evacuation list.
6. The far west end of Lytle Park, at the Lincoln statue is the designated assembly area. Do not wander from the
assembly area or re-enter the building unless the “all-clear” signal has been given.
7. When all staff and guests have been evacuated, security will ensure that the museum is locked down. Security
officers will be assigned to perimeter positions until the “all-clear” is given.
GAS LEAK

10. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
FLOOD OR WATER DAMAGE
Water damage may occur from many different sources: roof leakage from heavy rain, snow, ice, steam, drain pipes or
machinery.
1. If flooding, water damage, or standing water is found, immediately notify security central at extension 49.
2. Locate buckets to collect water, In the historic house, look for the red Emergency Supply Station near the docent
office. Additional supplies are available in the P1 janitorial closet.
3 Security will try to determine the source and make an attempt to stop or control it.
4. Security central will notify BMP at 866-435-0010.
5. If there is a threat to the collection, collections personnel are to be notified. Do Not Attempt to move any art
works.
FLOOD OR WATER DAMAGE

11. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
EARTHQUAKE
1. In the event of an earthquake, security will begin to escort staff, volunteers, and guests to the P1 security hallway
and the P1 fire stairwell.
2. Security will ensure that the museum and garage are secured.
3. After the tremors have passed, an “all-clear” signal will be broadcast. Security and collections will begin roving
patrols to assess damage.
4. If no damage is found, return to normal operations if approved by the Director.
5. If the Director decides to close the museum all non-essential staff, volunteers, and guests will be evacuated.
Collections staff will begin to remove and store collection if necessary.
6. An investigation and damage assessment will begin. 911 Will be contacted and a security officer will meet arriving police and fire units at the Kaplan Lobby entrance.
7. Contractors will be immediately notified to begin emergency repairs. Security staff will ward off on-lookers and
intruders.
EARTHQUAKE

12. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
CIVIL DISTURBANCE
1. Immediately call security central at extension 49. Security will begin to escort staff, volunteers and guests into
the P-1 security hallway and the east fire stairwell.
2. Security will ensure that the museum and garage are secured. The museum will be closed and perimeter patrons
will be established. Collections staff will begin to remove and store collection if necessary.
3. All non-essential staff, volunteers, and guests will be evacuated using the east P-1 stairwell and exiting in there
vehicles via Butler St. If this can be safely accomplished.
4. If there is damage to the museum or there is a serious threat to the museum 911 will be contacted. A security
officer will meet arriving police and fire units at the Kaplan Lobby entrance.
5. Security will begin roving patrols throughout the facility. Investigation and damage assessment will begin.
6. Contractors will be immediately notified to begin emergency repairs. Security staff will ward off on-lookers and
intruders.
CIVIL DISTURBANCE

13. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
EXPLOSION
An explosion may occur from different sources... Chemicals, paint, dust, machinery, bomb, gases and fire. It may occur
both inside and outside of the building.
1. If an explosion occurs you may need to act on your own instincts & training depending on the location of the
explosion and how wide spread the damage is. You should know where all the emergency exits are located.
2. Remain calm and contact security central at extension 49.
3. Begin established evacuation procedures.
4. Calmly inform guests & staff to follow you to the nearest exit. See posted evacuation routes for nearest exit.
5. Floor captains are to accompany employee/volunteer and visitor evacuees to the designated assembly area. The
access logs will be utilized for an employee / volunteer evacuation list.
6. The far west end of Lytle Park at the Lincoln Statue is the designated assembly area. Do not wander from the
assembly area or re-enter the building unless the “all-clear” signal has been given.
7. When all staff and guests have been evacuated, security will ensure that the museum is locked down: if the
situation allows security officers will be assigned to perimeter positions until the “all-clear” is given.
EXPLOSION

14. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
EVACUATION
This evacuation process is to be followed for any emergency evacuation order.
1. Calmly inform guests & staff to follow you to the nearest exit. See posted evacuation routes for nearest exit.
2. Floor captains are to accompany employee / volunteer and visitor evacuees to the designated assembly area. The
access logs will be utilized for an employee / volunteer evacuation list.
3. The far west end of Lytle Park at the Lincoln statue is the designated assembly area. Do not wander from the assembly area or re-enter the building unless the all clear signal has been given
4. When all staff and guests have been evacuated security will ensure that the museum is locked down: security
officers will be assigned to perimeter positions until the all clear is given.
5. Once police and fire emergency units arrive they will assume control of the scene. Security will maintain perimeter
control.
6. Once the all clear is given security officers will assist in damage assessment and the re-establishment of security for
the museum. Security officers will remain on scene until properly relieved.
EVACUATION

15. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
THEFT / VANDALISM
1. Staff or volunteers who become aware of damage to museum property will contact security central at extension
49.
2. Security will be dispatched to the scene of the damage and complete a damage report and secure the area if
necessary.
3. If you come upon an act of vandalism in progress notify the nearest officer.
4. Do not pursue or detain individuals. Other guests are to be kept clear of the area.
5. Security central will dispatch an officer. In a loud and firm voice, security will direct the offenders to “Stop right
there, don't move”
6. Central will dispatch another officer to the location of the vandalism and notify 911. Central will remain in
contact with 911 until the situation is resolved. Security will guide police officers to the location of the incident and
where the officers and suspect is located.
7. The area or room will be secured. Do not disturb the chain of evidence. Do not touch anything.
8. If the incident occurred in the historic house, security will contact collections for an assessment of the damage
and to photograph the scene. Collections staff will remove the art and begin clean up after the investigation is
completed. Contractors will be immediately notified to begin emergency repairs.
THEFT / VANDALISM

16. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
PHONE BOMB THREAT OR THREATENING LETTER
Assume every threat is real and immediately contact security central.
1. If you receive a telephone bomb threat, utilize the Threatening call phone check list.
2 Record the exact words the caller uses. Write down as much information as you can about the caller: Voice (mail
or email), race, background noises you hear, foreign accent, familiarity with the building, etc.
3. Inquire as to the location of the bomb; at what time the bomb will go off; group or person responsible; and any
demands or reason for placing the bomb.
4. There will be no evacuation unless ordered by the Director or Officer in Charge.
If a threatening letter is received:
1 Assume that every bomb threat is real as you thoroughly perform your function.
2. Call security central at extension 49.
3. A written bomb threat is considered a critical piece of evidence.
4. Avoid handling the letter in order to preserve finger prints or evidence.
BOMB THREAT OF THREATENING LETTER

17. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
In case of a medical emergency, do not move the victim.
1. Immediately call security central at extension 49 with the following information: location of the victim, approximate age and sex of the victim, reported problem, breathing or non-breathing, conscious or not.
2. Security central will call 911 and dispatch two security officers to the area plus notify the Chief, Assistant Chief or
OIC to render assistance as needed.
a. One security officer will clear the area of onlookers in order to provide a less stressful time for the victim and
care givers
b. The Rover or 2nd Central officer will respond to security central to get the first aid kit, or AED.
c. One AED/CPR trained officer shall respond to the scene and be the Officer in Charge until a ranking officer
arrives or fire EMT personnel arrive.
d. One officer shall respond to the front gate to direct the fire & ambulance personnel.
3. If an officer, not in security central, becomes aware of a medical emergency, the officer will immediately notify
security central and will render assistance until relieved by security central.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY

18. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
FIRE
In a fire emergency no evacuation will be ordered. Staff, volunteers and guests will evacuate immediately on the
audible and visible warnings from the fire suppression system. DO NOT call the central office!
1. Calmly inform guests & staff to follow you to the nearest exit. See posted evacuation routes for nearest exit.
2. Two officers will be assigned to a wheelchair bound person to aid evacuation if needed.
3. Floor captains are to accompany staff, volunteer, and guests evacuees to the designated assembly area. The
access logs will be utilized for an employee / volunteer evacuation list.
4. A security watch will be posted and first aid administered to any injured individual who cannot be evacuated
until paramedics arrive. Names and where the individual will be transported will be obtained for evacuation list
purposes.
5. The far west end of Park, at the Lincoln statue is the designated assembly area. Do not wonder from the assembly area or re-enter the building unless the “all-clear” signal has been given.
6. When all staff and guests have been evacuated, security will ensure that the museum is locked down; if the
situation allows, security officers will be assigned to perimeter positions until the “all-clear” is given.
7. Once the police and fire emergency units arrive they will assume control of the scene.
8. Once the “all-clear” is given security officers will assist in damage assessment and the re-establishment of security for the museum. Security officers will remain on scene until properly relieved.
FIRE EMERGENCY

19. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
POWER FAILURE
As this is not an emergency in the case of the evacuation coats may be obtained from the cloak room.
1. Should a power failure occur emergency lights will activate.
2. Security central will notify Duke Energy at 651-4182 and attempt to determine the nature of the outage and
possible duration. Security will dispatch an officer with hand held lights to the historic house, Fifth Third Gallery
and Kaplan.
3. Unless the power comes immediately back on line an evacuation of guests and staff will begin and the museum
will be closed.
4. One officer from the historic house will remain on post and the other will begin bringing guests and staff to
Kaplan Lobby. One officer from Fifth Third will stay on post and the other two will begin bringing guests and staff
to Kaplan Lobby. All other officers will remain on post to secure the museum.
5. The officer from the historic house and Fifth Third will be responsible for the Second floor and the P&G officer will
be responsible for the First Floor.
6. The remaining officers will begin to search their areas of the building to ensure that all guests and staff have
been evacuated and the collection is safe.
7. Butler St. Garage gate will be opened manually so vehicles can exit if needed.
8. The museum will be locked down when all guests and staff have left the building.
POWER FAILURE

20. Security - Ext. 49 or 241-2310
Staff Emergency Procedures
ELEVATOR ENTRAPMENT
When it has been determined that persons are trapped in an elevator car, use the following guidelines:
1. Contact security central at extension 49 or nearest guard on the floor notifying security that persons are trapped
in the elevator. Note which elevator (passenger or freight) that is down.
2. Security central will call 911; a Fire Company will respond to all entrapments for extrication.
3. Security central will call Advanced Elevator at 859 694-1600 or 859 635-1590 and request an elevator mechanic.
4. Security officers will reassure trapped passengers that all efforts are underway to obtain their release. Ascertain if
anyone is sick or injured. If the answer is affirmative , security will advise 911.
5. A security guard will meet the responding Fire Company at the front entrance and assist with extrication as
requested.
ELEVATOR ENTRAPMENT