In addition to these excellent suggetions I would add a couple more.

1.  Not only have an updated disaster plan that includes details and specifics in regards to the buildings and collections but hold institution-wide disaster drills to test that plan and to train staff.

2.  Keep your collections records maintained, insurance updated regularly, and disaster recovery information and supplies updated and upgraded often.

3.  Establish a relationship with the regional conservation association / guild in your area. All of these local conservation organizations maintain membership lists as well as some have disaster response volunteers and phone trees. We encourage musuems and allied professionals to join our organizations and to attend our programs. For instance, some years ago, the Western Association for Art Conservation (WAAC) published an excellent chart with on the disaster recovery protocols for various media found in collections and in the home. The regional conservation associations are listed either in the Conservation Online site (COOL) or the American Institute for Conservation site (AIC):  www.aic.stanford.edu

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California  USA

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