When wildfires threaten historic landmarks or floods put valuable collections at risk, the question isn’t if disaster will strike—it’s when. Then the real question is: Are there procedures in place to minimize the impact of a disaster?
That’s the driving force behind the “Ready—Or Not”: Cultural Heritage Disaster Preparedness Project in California. This state-funded initiative is helping institutions prepare for the unexpected—and it’s something you can be part of.
WHAT IS “READY—OR NOT”?
Data from the 2020 California Cultural Collections Protection Survey estimated that over 1,200 organizations reported having no disaster plan in place. That’s why, since 2022, NEDCC’s “Ready—Or Not” Project has performed over 400 free emergency preparedness assessments across the state.
This project is supported in whole or in part with funding provided by the State of California and is administered by the California State Library. NEDCC leads the emergency preparedness assessments for cultural heritage organizations—from museums and tribal nations to botanical gardens and public art collections—providing one-on-one consultations with staff and volunteers. These consultations result in a tailored report summarizing risks, priorities, and suggested actions for disaster readiness.
Now, with an additional $1.7 million in funding, the project is extended through May 2026 and is offering new services, such as:
- Assistance with writing or updating disaster plans for participating organizations.
- Access to dPlan|ArtsReady, an online tool for risk assessment and emergency planning.
- Delivery of online classes and training videos.
- In-person wet salvage workshops.
- An on-demand course on disaster planning, available for California organizations to access anytime to refresh staff and volunteer knowledge.
Over the next year, the “Ready—Or Not” team anticipates scheduling another 200 on-site emergency preparedness assessments, with a particular interest in reaching remote and rural areas on the wildland urban interface where wildfire poses a significant risk to communities and their cultural heritage.
PLANNING IS PRESERVATION
Disaster preparedness isn’t an “extra”—it’s essential. As Eva Gritz, archivist at the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society (SCVHS), puts it:
“There was a lot we knew needed to be done, but a lot we overlooked. Participating in "Ready—Or Not” made our board—and me, the only collections care staff member at the time—realize just how important planning ahead is, and the difference it can make.”
Leon Worden, vice president of SCVHS, also understood the challenges of bringing a museum—established in what was once a small town in the 1970s—up to the current day’s standards and best practices of caring for collections and historic buildings. As the organization evolved from a volunteer-run historic society into a museum with professional staff, the Gritz and Worden were eager to develop a disaster plan to support their accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. Having already completed Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program, the museum sought out the “Ready—Or Not” project for additional recommendations on how to prioritize collections preservation work.
Through the “Ready—Or Not” assessment, SCVHS was presented with recommendations for business continuity, IT security, physical building security, protection of collections, facilities risk mitigation, water and fire protection, and human safety.
Leon Worden (Vice President) and Eva Gritz (Archivist) at the Saugus Train Station at Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.
What happens after a site visit?
The impact is tangible.
When Lead Emergency Preparedness Consultant Hillary Ellis met with archivist Eva Gritz in the historic Saugus Train Station at the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society, she didn’t deliver a checklist—she jumpstarted change. Ellis identified fire risk as a top concern, recommending that SCVHS trim vegetation and rethink the collections storage in historic buildings.
Implementation takes time, but the SCVHS team was persistent. Over the span of two years, trees were removed and a retention system was built to prevent landslides and mudslides. The collections care staff grew and when the Hughes Fire moved through Los Angeles County in 2025, the staff—and volunteers—at SCVHS were ready. Volunteers mobilized to relocate 50 years’ worth of archival materials to offsite, climate-controlled storage.
“There’s something to be said about prioritizing the disaster planning process,” said Leon Worden, vice president at SCVHS, “because when the moment hits, all that planning pays off.”
SCVHS, 2022, before improvements to soil retention and drainage systems.
SCVHS, 2025, after improvements to soil retention and drainage systems.
Climate-controlled collections storage created after the “Ready—Or Not” assessment.
Photo courtesy of Eva Gritz, SCVHS.
SCALING IMPACT STATEWIDE
Not every organization is able to act as quickly as the Santa Clarita Historical Society—but the value of the “Ready—Or Not” project lies in meeting each organization where they are. In addition to the free emergency preparedness assessments, additional funding through May 2026 has expanded the project’s services to help organizations turn recommendations into action, including:
- Direct assistance writing or updating disaster plans
- Access to dPlan|ArtsReady, an online tool for risk assessment
- Free online courses and training videos
- An on-demand disaster planning course tailored for California institutions
- In-person wet salvage workshops.
Over the next year, “Ready—Or Not” is delivering fourteen free, hands-on wet salvage workshops across the state. These workshops, led by emergency preparedness consultants, introduce key concepts of disaster recovery including risk assessment, preparedness, response procedures, and recovery actions. Participants leave having talked through two disaster scenarios with their peers and having practiced hands-on wet salvage techniques. This practice helps gain an understanding of how a disaster physically impacts collections and how collections stewards can feel prepared to be “first responders” for collections salvage.
Wet Salvage Workshops focus on the basics of disaster recovery including risk assessment, preparedness, response procedures, and recovery actions.
CALIFORNIA, ARE YOU READY? WE ARE!
The “Ready—Or Not” Project equips cultural stewards not only with guidance, but with momentum. And in a time of increasing funding cuts and environmental impacts, preparation could mean the difference between devastating loss and resilience.
The “Ready—Or Not” emergency preparedness project set out with a goal to protect California’s heritage collections by visiting hundreds of museums, archives, libraries, and cultural centers. Each organization that participates can use their assessment report to address known issues, advocate for disaster planning, and to apply for grant funding that supports preservation.
Ready for the next step? The “Ready—Or Not” team is here to help!
ABOUT
California State Library
Established in 1850, the California State Library is the central reference and research
library for state government and the Legislature. The library collection includes more
than 4 million titles, 6,000 maps and 250,000 photographs, and includes an extensive
collection of documents from and about the state’s rich history. The State Library also
serves California’s local libraries, providing state and federal funds to support public
libraries and deliver statewide programs and services.
Northeast Document Conservation Center
Founded in 1973, the nonprofit Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) serves
museums, libraries, archives, and individuals nationwide. NEDCC provides
conservation treatment for book and paper collections as well as digital imaging, audio
preservation, assessments, consultations, training, and disaster assistance.
Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society
Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society mission is to preserve and share the unique character and rich heritage of the Santa Clarita Valley. Fundraising efforts are underway to continue to preserve the historic collections. https://scvhs.org/support/ | Instagram