Disaster Resources for Cultural Institutions
For resources for the public, click here.
Preparedness
Preparing Your Institution for Hurricanes
Tips for museums and other cultural institutions.
Pocket Response Plan
A rich-text document for recording essential information needed by staff in case of a disaster.
dPlan
On-line disaster planning template.
MayDay
Do one thing for emergency preparedness on May 1 each year.
Assessment
Rapid Collections Assessment
PDF form from the Field Guide to Emergency Response.
Rapid Building and Site Condition Assessment
This PDF form is intended to provide public officials with a tool to rapidly assess the condition of buildings and sites within a disaster region. An emphasis on historic structures is included. Also available in FileMaker Pro database form. Instructions on how to use the form to perform building and site condition assessments are in this PDF. See also Rapid Building and Site Condition Assessment Definitions.
SOS! Sculpture Rapid Condition Assessment Form (PDF)
Response and Salvage
Video: Coping with Water Damage
10-minute streaming video from the Field Guide to Emergency Response.
The Field Guide to Emergency Response
What actually happens may be very different from what you expect. Even with a plan, you'll need clear and practical advice to help you with initial response and salvage steps. You need the Field Guide!
Field Guide to Emergency Response Tabs and Supply List
Customizable tabs to record essential emergency contacts and suppliers; shopping list tells you what you need and where to find it.
Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel
Whether you’re facing spring floods, summer hurricanes, or winter storms, you need the Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel. ¡Disponible en español!
Video: Saving Collections from Soot
A six-minute video on saving your collections from soot.
Collections Emergency Response Team
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works has a trained team of responders ready to help assess damage. Call the 24-hour hotline for assistance: 202-661-8068.
Wet Collection Recovery
A Web site from the National Park Service featuring salvage information.
Salvage at a Glance
A helpful chart of drying and packing methods by material type.
Salvage Operations for Water Damaged Archival Collections: A Second Glance
An article by Betty Walsh covering topics such as packing and recovery operations.
Hurricane Response: Storm and Flood Cleanup
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's resource page has tips and fact sheets on worker safety and other information for cleaning up your institution.
Resources Organizations
Where to turn for help.
Funding
Before and After Disasters: Federal Funding for Cultural Institutions
Our guide (3 MB PDF) to funding for mitigation and recovery from 15 federal grant and loan programs. Program rules and eligibility are explained, along with helpful sample projects and contact information. Printed copies are available from the FEMA publications office (phone 800-480-2520).
Guide to Navigating Small Business Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Aid for Cultural Institutions
A road map for the federal disaster aid process, with links to forms and step-by-step instructions.
Foundation Grants for Preservation in Libraries, Archives, and Museums
A guide to preservation funding covering 2004-2007.