None of us want to contemplate disasters, yet proper preparation is imperative for all institutions. Whether it's a museum safeguarding precious artifacts or a cultural institution preserving valuable documents, being proactive and creating a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan is key to mitigating potential risks.
IMPORTANCE OF A STEP-BY-STEP PLAN
A meticulous, step-by-step plan is indispensable for safeguarding your institution's collections. It's not just about having emergency supplies on hand; it's about fostering valuable dialogue among various departments and individuals. A diversity of viewpoints is crucial to envisioning and planning for many scenarios that could unfold in the face of a disaster.
CRAFTING YOUR DISASTER PLAN
Your disaster plan should not exist in theory—it needs to be in writing. Distribute copies to everyone involved or responsible and ensure at least one copy is kept offsite. This written plan should include the addresses and phone numbers of individuals, equipment, and services. Additionally, it should specify where crucial resources such as freezers, humidifiers, air conditioners, trucks, and warehouses are located. Regularly review and revise your plan to ensure it remains up-to-date and effective.
Assessing and Mitigating Risks
Begin by assessing potential risks. Is your institution situated in an area prone to flooding or tornadoes? Are there aging pipes near your storage areas? Identify these risks to tailor your disaster preparedness plan accordingly. Think about how you can reduce or eliminate these risks; preventive measures can go a long way in averting catastrophic events like fires.
Prioritizing Your Collection
Decisions must be made swiftly in the chaos of a disaster. Prioritize which items are of utmost importance and should be retrieved first. This ensures that you can focus on preserving what matters most even in the face of limited time and resources.
Building a Disaster Response Team and Support Networks
No institution should face a disaster alone. Establish a disaster response team and compile a list of addresses and phone numbers for individuals, equipment, and services that can assist. Identify additional support networks—other entities or organizations that can offer help during challenging times.
Preparing for Recovery
Craft a comprehensive disaster response plan detailing the immediate steps during an emergency. Simultaneously, a disaster recovery plan outlining the steps for recovering from the aftermath should be developed. Preparation is not just about reacting to a disaster but bouncing back and restoring normalcy.
Training All Staff and Regularly Reviewing Plans
Ensure all staff members are well-versed in the disaster preparedness and response plans. Regular training sessions can help reinforce this knowledge and prepare your team for unforeseen circumstances. You should periodically review and revise your plans, conducting emergency drills to identify potential gaps or improvement areas.
Crafting a disaster preparedness plan might not be a pleasant task, but it is a responsible and necessary one. By taking these proactive steps, you can safeguard your invaluable collections and ensure a more resilient future in the face of potential disasters.
for more information:
- Develop a Disaster Preparedness/Emergency Response Plan from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
- Emergency Planning from the National Park Service
- Natural Disaster Recovery Resources for Museums & Libraries from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
- Emergency Management from the U.S. Library of Congress
- dPlan|ArtsReady
- From The American Institute for Conservation (AIC)