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”.
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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.
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.
David Tremain, Deborah Stewart
English (written materials available in both official languages)
Minimum 10; maximum 20
2 days
