Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for Cultural Institutions

Module Synopsis

This module discusses the importance of preparing for emergencies and provides instruction in creating an emergency plan. The steps to identify and reduce hazards are outlined. The salvage of artifacts from an emergency is presented in terms of stabilizing damaged collections. Other topics addressed include getting organized, health and safety issues, stabilizing the environment, dealing with the media, and keeping emergency preparedness “alive”.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• plan and develop an emergency response plan
• identify measures to reduce and or avoid/eliminate potential hazards
• assess, prioritize, salvage, and stabilize water-damaged artifacts and collections
• implement an emergency response plan
• employ proper health and safety actions in the event of an emergency

Units

Planning for Emergencies
Getting started in emergency preparedness. Organizing an emergency team and activities. Identification of potential risks and hazards and measures to eliminate them or reduce their impact. Developing an emergency response plan. What to do for each type of emergency, activities to undertake when preparing for emergencies, and who should be involved.

Mitigation
Ways to reduce loss from fire, water, earthquakes, and insufficient security.

Response
Response at the time of an emergency. What to expect in an emergency situation: health and safety factors, stabilization of the environment, damage assessment, factors affecting response time and efficiency. Implementation of a well-designed emergency response plan. Dealing with the media at the scene.

Salvage
Identification of salvage priorities. Basic procedures for handling, cleaning, and stabilizing damaged collections. Drying methods.

Target Audience

Employees in cultural institutions involved in emergency preparedness, including curators, conservators, managers of records, collections, or facilities, archivists, librarians, registrars, volunteers, security and maintenance personnel.

Facilitator(s)

Irene Karsten, Deborah Stewart

For registration information click here. (Please note, you will be directed to the British Columbia Museums Association web site)

Language

English (written materials available in both official languages)

Enrollment Limits

Minimum 10; maximum 20

Duration

2 days