Resource Library

Emergency Preparedness and Planning

The Alliance has compiled this set of emergency preparedness and planning resources from throughout the nonprofit and museum sector.

dPlan

The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners share a free online program to help institutions write comprehensive disaster plans. dPlan provides easy-to-use templates that allow museums of all sizes to develop a customized plan with checklists; salvage priorities; preventive maintenance schedules; contact information for personnel, insurance, and IT help; and a list of emergency supplies and services.

Emergency Planning

The National Park Service (NPS) shares a chapter from their Museum Handbook on emergency planning, disaster prevention, collections hazards, and salvaging techniques.

Risk Evaluation and Planning Program (Repp) 

The AIC/FAIC helps cultural institutions demonstrate whether a risk evaluation by a team of preservation and emergency professionals, which leads to preparedness.

Natural Hazards

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.

Ready Check

The Department of Homeland Security has a set of free publications available for individuals and businesses to help assess and plan for any number of emergencies, including templates for various plans.

Worksheet for Outlining a Disaster Plan

The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) offers a template that guides museum through identifying equipment and services needed for disaster preparedness and recovery, setting salvage priorities, and scheduling drills. It also includes checklists of tasks that should be completed on a daily and weekly basis.

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