Facilities and Emergency Plans

Facilities and Emergency Plans

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Facilities

1. Exhibition Halls

   • Description: Spaces dedicated to the ecology, wildlife, and culture of Madagascar.

   • Emergency Plan:

     • Fire exits clearly marked and illuminated.

     • Regular fire drills.

     • Staff trained in evacuation procedures.

     • First aid kits available in each hall.

2. Interactive Learning Center

   • Description: Hands-on exhibits and educational workshops.

   • Emergency Plan:

     • Clearly labeled exits.

     • Emergency shutdown procedures for interactive displays.

     • Training for staff on managing crowds during emergencies.

3. Gift Shop

   • Description: Retail space for educational materials and local crafts.

   • Emergency Plan:

     • Ensure merchandise is stored safely and does not block exits.

     • Train staff on evacuation routes.

4. Research Library

   • Description: A collection of information and resources on Madagascar’s ecology and culture. Interactive education

   • Emergency Plan:

     • Protect rare materials from water damage.

     • Fire suppression systems in place.

     • Clear evacuation routes with staff trained to assist visitors.

5. Café

   • Description: A space serving general food and drinks with a Madagascar theme (like a fancier Rainforest Café).

   • Emergency Plan:

     • Kitchen safety protocols.

     • Fire extinguisher accessibility.

     • Staff trained in food safety and emergency procedures (including evacuation, fire safety, and crowd control).

6. Outdoor Greenhouse

   • Description: A space showcasing Madagascar plants

   • Emergency Plan:

     • Clear pathways and signage for evacuation.

     • Closed during severe weather (lots of windows).

7. Administrative Offices

   • Description: Staff offices, workspaces, and meeting rooms.

   • Emergency Plan:

     • Secure data storage and backup protocols.

     • Doors that securely lock and have an airtight seal to protect visitors from chemicals and dust.

     • Ensure staff are trained in emergency response, including lockdown and evacuation procedures.

8. Prep Lab

   • Description: A space to prepare, clean, and repair museum specimens. Has its own H-vac system

   • Emergency Plan:

     • Secure specimens and heavy equipment.

     • Ensure staff are trained in emergency response, including lockdown and evacuation procedures.​

9. Collections space​

   • Description: A windowless space on the third floor used to securely house our collections not currently on display.​​

   • Emergency Plan:

     • Secure specimens and seal the rooms​

     • In event of a flood the specimens are secure on the third floor, in the event of a hurricane the specimens are either secured or evacuated inland at the discission of the director. 

 

General Emergency Plans

1. Fire Emergencies

   • Installation of smoke detectors and sprinkler systems to legal standards

   • Fire drills conducted quarterly.

   • Designated assembly area outside the museum.

2. Natural Disasters (Hurricanes, Floods)

   • Emergency kit stocked with essentials (first aid, water, flashlights).

   • Clear evacuation plans communicated to staff and visitors.

   • Regular updates on weather conditions during hurricane season.

   • Designated hurricane shelter room (an interior room with no windows)

   • Designated flood plan (second floor evacuation for visitors, and taxidermy specimens should be moved onto the second floor as well)

3. Medical Emergencies

   • First aid stations located throughout the museum.

   • Staff trained in CPR and basic first aid.

   • 2 Defib machines set on wall in major areas

4. Active Shooter Situations

   • “Run, Hide, Fight” training for staff.

   • Clear signage directing visitors to exits. ( windows that open from inside on ground floor)

   • Lockdown procedures in place for all facilities.

5. Power Outages

   • Backup generator for critical areas ( security, emergency lighting).

   • Emergency lighting throughout the museum.

   • Staff trained to assist visitors in navigating during outages.