Emergency Response

Introduction

Good emergency preparedness can mitigate certain hazards and ensure that other emergencies do not turn into full-scale disasters.  However, when a disaster does occur individuals must be trained to respond appropriately to assure safety of personnel and collections, and prepare for the salvage stage that follows.

Read more about how to respond to an emergency or disaster:

• Physical safety in an emergency 
• Psychological effects of emergencies 
• Documenting an emergency 

Additional Resources for Emergency Response

• The American Institute for Conservation Collections Emergency Response Team (AIC-CERT) responds to the needs of cultural institutions during emergencies and disasters through coordinated efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors and the public. For 24-hour assistance, call (202) 661-8068.

For more information on AIC disaster response and recovery information visit the AIC website.

• The Northeast Document Center As part of its Preservation Services program offers an emergency assistance program for institutions and individuals with damaged paper-based collections. Call the Disaster Assistance Hotline: 978-470-1010

• Lyrasis is a library based organization with a search function to find vendors to help with environmental stabilization and building clean-up.