Preserving the Collection: Disaster Planning, Response & Recovery

 Join TX-CERA, the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT), and the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) for our Hurricane preparations webinar next Thursday, May 6, at 2 pm CST. Presenters and registration information can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/2021-hurricane-season-preparations-for-u-s-gulf-coast-cultural-institutions.htm?fbclid=IwAR1u99Ygy21fS0hO1NmJNoTnU-JPK-hJJmmjayMJh9poeabJyfN8La3a9Po

 It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re re-entering your home or institution after a disaster. This short overview video from the Galveston Historical Foundation explains how to prioritize salvage of items from a water-related disaster (flood, hurricane, burst pipe, etc.) based on the type of material:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVhrneTcLN0

 This weekend, certain emergency preparation supplies qualify for tax exemption if purchased for a sales price – including portable generators, emergency ladders, first aid kits, tarps, and more! The full list can be viewed on the Texas Comptroller’s website: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php/

  You’ve identified a pest infestation – what now? The Integrated Pest Management Working Group has created a library of accepted treatments, from isolating objects to freezing and low oxygen environments. https://museumpests.net/solutions/

  Join NCPTT and TX-CERA on May 6 at 2 PM for a free webinar to review the 2021 U.S. Gulf Coast hurricane season, preparations, and response for cultural institutions. For more information, visit the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/450991009529521/ Or the event website: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/2021-hurricane-season-preparations-for-u-s-gulf-coast-cultural-institutions.htm

 Many disasters we face – from hurricanes to fires – are largely out of our control, but in most cases, steps can be taken to lessen the impact to our collections. One important step to take is to include Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in your daily operations and emergency planning so you are not caught unaware. https://museumpests.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1-2-Morgan-and-Jacobs-paper.pdf

  In an emergency, it may not be possible for all staff to access the complete version of an emergency preparedness plan. That is where the Pocket Response Plan (PReP) comes in. Click to access Creating_Pocket_Response_Plans_for_State_ARMs_-_PReP.pdf