Resource Library

Disaster Preparedness & Response Resources

In support of organizations that find themselves in the path of a potential disaster we have compiled a list of resources to help you prepare and recover.

AAM is a member of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), distributing timely information for cultural heritage disaster preparedness and response. Learn more under Assistance below.

Recent disaster information:

Los Angeles, Southern California Wildfires

On January 8, 2025, a major disaster declaration was made for the California Wildfires and Straight-line Winds (DR-4856). Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by these devastating wildfires and the brave first responders. Find information below on cultural organizations and information on the 2025 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo in Los Angeles.

Public Assistance and Resources for Cultural Organizations

HENTF shares that Public Assistance is currently available in Categories A though G in Los Angeles County. Get additional information on DR-4856 and the Public Assistance Program Delivery Process.

Public assistance categories available include: 

  • Emergency work that addresses an immediate threat:
    • (A) Debris removal
    • (B) Emergency protective measures
  • Permanent work – restoration of:
    • (C) Roads/bridges
    • (D) Water control facilities
    • (E) Buildings/equipment *
    • (F) Public utilities
    • (G) Parks, recreational, and other facilities

Emergency protective measures may include, but are not limited to:

  • Temporary emergency repair (blue roofs and other work) or stabilization of an eligible facility if it eliminates or lessens an immediate threat.
  • Wet vacuuming, damp wiping, or vacuuming with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) equipment of the interior space.
  • Removal of contaminated gypsum board, plaster (or similar wall finishes), carpet or floor finishes, and ceilings or permanent light fixtures.
  • Cleaning of contaminated heating and ventilation (including ductwork), plumbing, and air conditioning systems or other mechanical equipment.
  • Removal or relocation of collections to prevent damage or loss.

* Category E: Public Buildings and Equipment may include, but is not limited to:

  • Repair or replacement of materials, equipment, and exhibition furnishings associated with the storage, display, preservation, or exhibition of collections and individual objects
  • Treatment of “special library collections,” but not replacement of rare books, manuscripts, and other fragile materials
  • Stabilization – work necessary to return items to a condition in which they can function in the same capacity as they did prior to the disaster
  • Reasonable costs associated with the development of the treatment plan for the collection or individual object
  • Costs associated with restoring an item to pre-disaster (but not original) condition

National Coalition for Arts Preparedness

Explore tools and resources, and access the Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief.

National Heritage Responders

Cultural organizations that are impacted by the fires and in need of help can contact the National Heritage Responders (NHR) 24/7 at 202-661-8068 or NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org.

National Heritage Responders provide tipsheets, including on Fire Smoke, Soot, and Ash Recovery.

Relief Efforts for Arts and Cultural Workers

LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund

Emergency Grants for Artists and Arts Workers

A coalition, led by the Getty, of major museums, foundations and philanthropists announced a $12 million emergency relief fund for artists and arts workers in all disciplines, who have lost residences, studios, livelihoods, or have otherwise been impacted by the devastating LA fires.

» Artists and arts workers impacted can apply for an emergency grant (administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation).

Getty is accepting tax-deductible donations to this fund.

Read the full announcement. The fund is led by the J. Paul Getty Trust, including the Mohn Art Collective (Hammer Museum, LACMA, and MOCA) partnered with East West Bank, and joined with the Mellon Foundation, the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Qatar Museums, Ford Foundation, and other national and international institutions.

American Red Cross Response and Disaster Relief

Learn about Red Cross relief and recovery plans, ongoing work, financial assistance programs, shelters open to everyone in need, and how to find help from the Red Cross.

Art World Fire Relief LA

Art World Fire Relief LA launched a two-pronged plan of action – Grief and Hope – to help artists and art workers. Grief and Hope has also created two brief surveys in order to gather information:

  • Survey for the most urgent needs of artists and art workers – Those experiencing full loss or severe damage to their home, studio, or personal property crucial to your livelihood can fill out this survey.
  • Survey for information regarding mutual aid – Those able to offer forms of mutual aid, such as temporary housing or clothing, can fill out this form.

Art World Fire Relief LA is accepting donations at this GoFundMe.

Artists’ Fellowship

The Artists’ Fellowship provides one-time emergency aid to professional visual fine artists and their families in times of sickness, natural disaster, bereavement, or unexpected extreme hardship.

Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)

Craft artists or artisans impacted by the fires can access recovery resources and submit an application for CERF+’s Emergency Relief program. CERF+’s Studio Protector also has resources to support artists as they begin to assess and re-enter their damaged studios. Learn more.

CERF+ accepts tax-deductible donations to help craft artists in the aftermath of emergencies/disasters.

Gottlieb Emergency Grant

The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program is intended to provide interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation.

New York Foundation for the Arts

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to US-based artists in financial need. A separate emergency grants program is also available for dancers. Deadline: February 20, 2025.

Temporary Art Storage from Curatorial

In an effort to support recovery and safeguard precious artworks, Curatorial is offering free temporary art storage to anyone who requires immediate evacuation of their pieces, subject to availability. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, please do not hesitate to contact their art services department at info@curatorial.com.

World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team

The World Central Kitchen is accepting donations to support the response for those affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, with teams and partners mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to the first responders and families in Southern California who are impacted.

Additional Local Information:

Please contact the organizations linked directly for additional assistance or questions.

Additional Resource Compilations

Please contact the organizations linked directly for additional assistance or questions.

AAM 2025 in Los Angeles, May 6-9

As we plan for the 2025 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo in Los Angeles, we will continue to monitor the evolving situation, prioritize your safety, and work with our partners in Los Angeles to determine how we can best support the community during AAM 2025. Our partners have assured us that the best way we can support recovery efforts at this time is by keeping the Annual Meeting in LA.

Early Bird registration rates have been extended for Los Angeles County area residents through March 31, 2025. Please complete this form if you are based in an area impacted by the Southern California wildfires planning to attend AAM 2025.

Find additional resources in the AAM Resource Library:

Disaster Planning & Risk Management

Assistance

The American Institute for Conservation’s National Heritage Responders provides 24/7 remote assistance to cultural institutions. Call 202-661-8068 for advice and referrals. NHR also offers tip sheets on response and recovery.

Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) works to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies. Report damage to your museum at hentf@si.edu. This helps the Task Force coordinate federal agencies in responding to your needs.

The Regional Alliance for Preservation (website no longer active) members each offer emergency assistance by phone:

The Northeast Document Conservation Center recommends these companies for disaster remediation services, including water removal, transportation, drying, and freezing. They can be reached 24/7.

The FEMA Federal Disaster Declarations website has information about which counties are included in designated disaster areas and are therefore eligible for federal disaster assistance. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide provides an overview of the process with links to other publications and documents with additional details.

National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness & Emergency Response (NCAPER) has published the Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief

Online Recovery Guides

Preparation

  • AAM’s Mastering Your Museum’s Core Documents toolkit can help guide staff in creating and approving a disaster plan (along with the four other Core Documents). Tier 3 museum members can also access our library of Sample Documents, including over 45 disaster plans).
  • The California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection developed a 3-step wildfire preparation plan. The resources are developed for homeowners but can be applied to any structure.
  • The Council of State Archivists has developed a Pocket Response Plan (PReP) to help staff note necessary information following a disaster. It is intended to be customized for each institution and individual staff member.
  • The AIC/FAIC Risk Evaluation and Planning Program (Repp) helps cultural institutions demonstrate whether a risk evaluation by a team of preservation and emergency professionals, which leads to preparedness.
  • Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) shares Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Cultural Institutions.
  • The International Council of Museums shares Guidelines for Disaster Preparedness in Museums. The guide provides information on roles and responsibilities, emergency response tips, regular disaster mitigation techniques, and emergency communications. (PDF, 26 pages).
  • The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides information on Natural Hazards and their potential threats to society, and assists with developing smart, cost-effective strategies for achieving preparedness and resilience.

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