Preserving the Collection: Disaster Planning, Response & Recovery

  In a salvage situation, documentation is one of the most important - and sometimes, one of the most stressful - tasks to be done on scene. This video by the Smithsonian's National Collections Program provides basic steps that can be followed before and during an emergency to keep track of a moving collection. https://video.ibm.com/recorded/132365876

  Have you ever wanted a close look at what a fire can do to your storage space? Or wondered what materials can help or hinder that fire? This video by the Smithsonian's National Collections Program features a burn of a mock collections space that was burned for their Holy Smokes! Fire Salvage Workshop. https://video.ibm.com/recorded/132363134  

  This section of the Field Guide to Emergency Response by AIC & FAIC discusses how to clean items that have been damaged by soot and ash. A HEPA vacuum and soot (chem) sponges are invaluable tools to have on hand in a fire situation.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9i9BfofVFo

  In a salvage situation, there are large pieces of equipment, such as HEPA vacuums and fans, that you may only have one or two of on site, but there are plenty of items you can keep in your go bag or your building's emergency kit. This video has a good list of easily accessible items that can be used to clean and store fire and soot-damaged items. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVAipHjIMCA