Preserving the Collection: Disaster Planning, Response & Recovery

  The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation ( FAIC ) offers a tool to guide responders to an emergency that affects our cultural heritage. In case of an emergency, the most important action is to stabilize the artifacts to avoid further damage until they could be properly treated by a conservator. A very useful tool to guide the first responders is the FAIC’s Emergency Response & Salvage Wheel. The two-sided-wheel lists on one side the steps of the emergency response, on the other side the appropriate action to stabilize 9 types of artifacts. The cost is $10 ($5 if you buy 10 or more). https://store.culturalheritage.org/site/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=FAIC-1 Emergency Response & Salvage Wheel from FAIC website After stabilizing the artifacts, do not attempt treatment. It is very important that you contact an experienced conservator. For a list of Professional Associates and Fellows of the American Institute for Conservation...

  When disaster strikes, fortunately for our communities first responders and volunteers come to the rescue. As we know from many tragic examples of great heroism and ultimate sacrifice, unfortunately first responders and volunteers are often not sufficiently protected and during an emergency put the safety of their community first, over their own health and safety. Before responding to an emergency, think about Personal Protective Equipment that will protect you as you are generously helping your community. The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) has created and maintains a Wiki page dedicated to PPE: http://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Personal_Protective_Equipment_(PPE) In particular for protective gloves this page offers a table with the type of glove safe to use to handle different categories of chemicals: http://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/PPE_Chemical_Protective_Material_Selection_Guide Regarding tight fitting air-purifying respirators, necessa...