Hurricane Prep Resources
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts June 1 – November 30. Some storms brush the coast, others have a direct and destructive impact on entire regions. Now is the time to make sure you have the resources you need to prepare and respond if a hurricane disaster strikes.
Here are a few tips to prepare your museum for the pending season (adapted from IMLS.gov). This is not an exhaustive list or meant to be a substitute for an emergency plan for your site. Life safety should always be the priority in any disaster or emergency response:
Before hurricane season
Invite first responders to your historic site. Don’t let a disaster be the first meeting!
Download a trusted weather app -we recommend NOAA’s weather.gov.
If you are Massachusetts-based, sign up for COSTEP Cultural Facility Mapping Project.
Stock up your disaster kits. Make sure all flashlights and other electronics have charged batteries.
Connect with disaster-related vendors on your contact list and ensure contracts and contact details are correct
Days before the storm
Track the storm with a trusted site like the National Hurricane Center.
Ensure your disaster plan is up to date with both electronic and printed copies. Have a staff meeting to review the plan and roles. Distribute copies of the plan to key staff.
Confirm your communications plan. Make sure contact lists are up-to-date.
Make sure all records are backed up and stored in a safe location.
Take images of exteriors and interiors. This will be crucial after the storm if your museum or site has major damage.
Discuss a plan for moving collections and archives.
Day before the storm
Secure or move all outdoor furnishings.
Move collections and/or archives in high-risk flood areas OR from areas that can be impacted by other types of water intrusion.
If items cannot be moved, cover with plastic sheeting.
Know the utility shut off locations.
Review staffing roles and availability. Make sure staff have plans to keep their families and loved ones safe.
After the storm
If your site has major damage, wait for clearance from first responders before going on site and entering buildings.
Consider any downed wires live and contact the appropriate utility company to help.
Consult your disaster plan for internal efforts to start the salvage and recovery process.
If outside help is needed for collections, call the National Heritage Responders hotline at 202.661.8068.
Download FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available at 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.
If your organization doesn’t have a disaster plan, MuseumTastic can help. Our founder has over a decade of experience and specialized training in museum disaster planning, response, and recovery. We’d love to help!