The 2020 hurricane season is predicted to have higher activity than usual, especially in New England. To learn more about the current season, see the Hurricane Season 2020 Readiness webinar from NWS Boston Lead Meteorologist Matthew Belk.
As the hurricane season intensifies for its peak activity, personal safety comes first (see https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes).
Note that the COVID-19 pandemic may complicate or make impossible previous hurricane response plans, so think ahead and plan accordingly. (see FEMA’s COVID-19 addendum here.)
And if you have time, protect your family treasures by following NEDCC's advice, below.
24/7 ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE:
NEDCC Collections Emergency Hotline
NEDCC is available to take calls from institutions with collections damage, as well as private individuals whose family collections are damaged. The number to call during business hours (8:30-4:30 Eastern) is 978-470-1010. The number to call after hours (also answered during the day) is 855-245-8303. You can also email HERE or info@nedcc.org.
American Institute for Conservation's National Heritage Responders
The National Heritage Responders (NHR) is a highly skilled team of conservators and other collections care professionals with expertise in emergency response. All assistance provided by the NHR is free, funded by grants and generous donations to the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation. NHR members are available to provide advice to individuals as well as advice and on-site response to institutions. (NHR members do not normally provide on-site assistance to individuals, although it may be possible to do so in conjunction with other collections in an affected region.) Call the hotline (202.661.8068) to request assistance.
LEARN MORE
FEMA: After the Fire: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Collections
FAIC's Field Guide to Emergency Response: How to Handle and Clean Soot-Damaged Items
(7-minute video)
Conservation Services: The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) provides a How to Choose a Conservator guide that explains how to work with a professional conservator, as well as a Find a Conservator directory to help you identify conservators in your area.
NEDCC Preservation Leaflets
FEMA Fact Sheet: “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” (available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese)
Salvaging CDs and DVDs – National Archives (Click ‘OK’ to open file)
Salvaging VHS tapes and other magnetic media
Conservation Services: The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) provides a How to Choose a Conservator guide that explains how to work with a professional conservator, as well as a Find a Conservator directory to help you identify conservators in your area.
Documentation and insurance claims: From FEMA, guidance on documenting and filing claims: How Do I Start My Flood Claim?