CORRECT PROBLEMS DISCLOSED BY THE BUILDING AUDIT

After you have compiled and studied the results of the survey, begin to implement its recommendations. The report may point out urgent problems as well as some situations that can be addressed as time and funds permit. The important thing is to start.

Any fire code or building violations; must be corrected first since these could cause danger to staff and patrons. Legal problems will ensue if a disaster is caused by a violation known to the institution. It would be preferable to close the building, or part of it, temporarily than to continue to operate with violations. It might be sufficient to close a certain area to the public while allowing staff to continue their work. Consult with your town's building department, fire department and also with your insurance carrier;.

INSTALL WATER ALARMS

If the building survey pointed out that there were not enough water alarms, begin installing them in basements, near rest rooms, under water pipes and skylights and in similar locations. Some alarms have remote sensors at the end of a wire so that the alarm itself can be closer to where people might hear it. Sonin, Inc. makes an inexpensive water alarm, sold by True Value hardware stores. The Water Alert, made by Dorlen Products, comes in a variety of models. The company will help design water detection systems. This alarm is also carried in conservation products catalogs.

The Flood Alert alarm is made and sold directly by Data-Sonic, Inc. An auxiliary output module is available that would trigger another alarm system, even in another building, or turn on a pump or other device.

The Waterbug-100, -200 and -300 series alarms come in battery operated and hardwired versions. The -200 and -300 alarms have sensor probes that can be placed up to 100 feet from the instrument. They are designed to be used with various types of alarm panels. Available from PRG.

Whatever type of alarm is selected, make sure that it will be heard and monitored when the library or museum is closed. Floods seem to prefer nights and weekends so, if the alarm rings only locally, it will be of little use.