DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Knowing what to do in the face of an emergency can help avoid catastrophic loss of materials and ensure the safety of personnel. By implementing a course of action that is timely and effective, institutions can get the upper hand in avoiding exponential loss. It is important to be prepared and knowledgable about emergency tactics and to identify and assess the weak aspects of your institutions' plan. It is important to note that you should always protect people first and make sure the structure is secure before entering.

Preparedness Tips

General guidelines detailing how best to handle emergencies in hopes of avoiding disastrous situations.

First Response

Create a disaster re-entry checklist which includes making sure everyone has been accounted for. It is important to note that human life is the most important. Once everyone has been accounted for and all injuries have been attended to, then it is appropriate to begin the process of re-entry.
Create an emergency call list to have on hand and make sure it is widely distributed amongst staff or team members.
It is important to make sure all utilities are safe to use (i.e. electricity, gas, water, steam)
Never enter or work alone, always have someone with you.
Make sure you are equipped with appropriate protective gear as the situation may be dangerous
Make sure communications have been established. Being equipped with walkie-talkies and cell phones are a safe way to be able to communicate with team members.
Make sure you have the means for documentation. It is very important to document anything and everything with a camera. Ideally, use your camera on your cell phone.
Make sure everyone understands their objective. This is not a salvage or recovery mission, but one that initially assesses the damage.

Collections Response

Create an emergency preparedness and recovery plan. Make sure there are sections devoted to procedures for discovering emergency situations and the notification process, how to properly and safely assess the damage to the collection, and recovery procedures.
Once the document has been created, it would be beneficial to highlight the crucial aspects of the procedures and create a pocket response plan, that all of your staff and team members can have.
Purchase the FAIC's Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel, which contains essential information on protecting collections when disaster strikes.
Always remember that the National Heritage Responders (NHR) are there for cultural institutions during emergencies and disasters by coordinating efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors, and the public.
- Keep their number on hand (202) 661-8086
To ensure proper care and maintenance, find a conservator that will help guide you in emergency situations.