- Think creatively and avoid making uninformed decisions.
- Stabilize collections as soon as possible.
- Provide as ideal an environment for all collections exposed to disaster as is possible.
- Protect materials which have not been affected by the disaster to prevent additional damage.
- Avoid damaging materials irreversibly in the recovery phase.
- Reduce the effects of the disaster on the materials as much as possible.
- Prevent any future problems which might result from the disaster or its aftermath.
Disaster Response
- Assess the disaster situation.
- Convene disaster team members.
- Set up a command post.
- Agree upon priorities for salvage.
- Eliminate hazards.
- Assess damage to collections on site.
- Activate plans for supplies, staff, volunteers and services.
- Control the environment.
- Document all activity.
- Provide services.
- Supervise carefully.
- Communicate internally and externally.
- Organize the recovery phase.
Disaster Recovery
- Remove standing water and contaminants if necessary.
- Set up cleaning methods if needed.
- Protect undamaged collections.
- Remove and pack wet materials (unless drying by dehumidification).
- Remove, clean and pack contaminated materials.
- Record information about all removed materials.
- Stabilize damaged collections.
- Stabilize and repair damaged building.
- Select appropriate recovery techniques.
- Initiate recovery procedures.
Rehabilitation
- Develop sorting and examining procedures for all dried materials.
- Determine options (eg., cleaning, repairing, discarding, rebinding, restoration, pamphlet binding, boxing).
- Hire and train personnel.
- Route materials and keep records of where things are.
- Watch for mold and treat if necessary.
- Replace spine labels, pockets, and security tags if necessary.
- Assess shelf space needs and shift collection if necessary.
- Return material to shelves.
- Correct catalog and shelf list records.
- Document carefully.
Above lists from Sally Buchanan