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Emergency Response Action Steps

The first 48 hours can make the difference.

When a natural disaster or other emergency strikes, your collections can be lost. The Emergency Response and Salvage Wheels will help you safeguard collections damaged by water, whether from flood, fire, earthquakes, severe storms or broken pipes. Use the wheels within 48 hours of an emergency when salvage steps are most critical. These guidelines were developed by experts, but remember that this is an easy-reference guide. After an emergency, consult with conservation or preservation specialists as soon as possible.

PLEASE:

Study the wheels now and discuss them with other staff. Everyone in your institution should be able to use them.
Complete the telephone number section below today; update it every six months.
Learn more about emergency response resources in your community.
Make sure your institution has an emergency preparedness and response plan. It will minimize collection loss.
SAFETY FIRST! EVACUATE THE BUILDING AT ONCE IF EMERGENCY AUTHORITIES DIRECT YOU TO.

Emergency Numbers

Fire Department

Police Department

Ambulance

Poison Control Center

Physician

Non-Emergency Numbers

Local Emergency Management Office

Local American Red Cross Chapter

Insurance Representative or Risk Manager

Staff Emergency Officer

Nearest Conservator

View the Emergency Salvage Steps

Recovering From and Coping With Flood Damaged Property

This information is from the Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel, a sliding chart designed for archives, libraries, and museums. It is also a useful tool for home or business and is available in English and Spanish versions. The Wheel was produced by the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a public-private partnership sponsored by FEMA and Heritage Preservation. For further information or to order the Wheel, please call toll-free 1-888-979-2233.

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 11:28:25 EDT