Disaster Response Resources

At present, we are still working toward creating a HRRG Museum Emergency Response Team (MEST); however, it is not likely that we will have an update until after the dreaded hurricane season. In the meantime, I thought I would share some active museum resources for disaster response.

AIC-CERT (American Institute for Conservation-Collections Emergency Response Team) was founded in 2007 after receiving funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. These funds helped to create specialized training in disaster response which ultimately produced a group of sixty-one rapid responders. This volunteer group can provide assistance by telephone and e-mail and can discuss anything from leaking pipes to major floods. Their 24-hour assistance number is 202-661-8068. AIC-CERT also provides funds for team members who kindly volunteer to travel to disaster areas. Read more about this fantastic program here.

The Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) has shared their Emergency Response Team Manual online here. This is a wonderful asset and it covers important tops such as basic emergency supply lists, responder’s equipment needs and tips for crisis management. Read more about VAM-ERT here.

The National Park Service offers a number of short, focused leaflets about caring for museum objects called Conserv O Grams here. Below are links to their “Salvage a Glance” series.

21/4 Salvage at a Glance,Part I:Paper Based Collections 2002
21/5 Salvage at a Glance,Part II:Non-Paper Based Archival Collections 2002
21/6 Salvage at a Glance, Part III: Object Collections 2002
21/7 Salvage at a Glance, Part IV: Natural History Collections 2003
21/8 Salvage at a Glance, Part V: Textiles 2003