Preserving the Collection: Disaster Planning, Response & Recovery

What challenges does your museum face in an emergency situation? Water? Fire? Preparing for a disaster by developing plan that any staff member can access and work through is a great way to get ahead of the stress emergencies bring. The Smithsonian Institution has collected some great links to get you started. https://culturalrescue.si.edu/hentf/resources/planning-preparedness-and-mitigation-resources/  

 From an emergency salvage checklist to a list of organizations to contact after a disaster, the Texas Historical Commission has a great selection of resources for Texas institutions and historical properties impacted by weather events. https://www.thc.texas.gov/news-events/disaster-resources-historic-properties https://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upload/preserve/museums/files/Be_Prepared_for_a_hurricane.pdf https://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upload/preserve/museums/files/emergency-prep-checklist.pdf

 Planning for disasters is key to successful response and recovery. This presentation by ALCTS covers many facets of disaster management – from collection care to working with vendors and volunteers – and utilizes a case study to illustrate a real-world response.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqaIR9qPyIY