National Guard photo by Lt. Zachary West
Hurricane Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast of Texas over the last week and reminded all of us who work and volunteer in history organizations that disaster preparedness is critical. Finding help when you are in recovery mode is equally critical.
AASLH has collected resources from various organizations for institutions and individuals recovering from hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters to help provide assistance during this crucial time:
The Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) provides resources for cultural organizations recovering from a disaster.
- Keep this 24/7 hotline number handy: 202.661.8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice.
- Download FEMA’s “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” fact sheet, with tips and resources for individuals and institutions: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/113297.
- Familiarize yourself with the disaster declaration process in case one is declared for your state: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-declaration-process.
- For Texans, visit the Hurricane Awareness page of the Texas Department of Public Safety:
www.dps.texas.gov/dem/ThreatAwareness/hurricaneAwareness.htm. - For Louisianans, visit the Emergency Event: Tropical Storm Harvey page: http://emergency.louisiana.gov
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has also published a comprehensive list of resources for disaster recovery that includes helpful phone numbers and websites for advice and consultation for museums in active disaster recovery: http://www.aam-us.org/resources/disaster-preparedness-recovery-resources
AASLH also provides many helpful resources on our website:
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