AUSTIN, Texas – Survivors of Hurricane Harvey can learn how to salvage and stabilize household treasures damaged by the storm from Smithsonian Institution preservation experts who are visiting three State of Texas/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) this week.
Among the heirlooms that might be salvageable are photos, artwork, quilts, important documents and other keepsakes. The experts will discuss how to handle, dry and clean these items, as well as personal safety during the salvage process, setting priorities and treatment options.
Part of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, the experts are visiting these locations:
Wednesday, Oct. 11
H-E-B Parking Lot
1000 East Concho Street
Rockport, TX 78382
11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 12
Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds
1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd.
Robstown, TX 78380
11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 13
Dr. Patty Dodson Public Health Center
2805 North Navarro Street
Victoria, TX 77901
11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Co-sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Smithsonian Institution, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force is a partnership of 42 national service organizations and federal agencies. It was created to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies. For more information on the task force, email HENTF@si.edu.
For more information on Hurricane Harvey and Texas recovery, visit the Hurricane Harvey disaster web page, the FEMA Harvey Facebook page, the @FEMARegion6 Twitter account, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website.