The list below gathers links to information on disaster response and assistance for collections affected by Hurricane Sandy. Some links are Sandy specific, while others offer general advice on recovery actions or funding assistance. Please contact us with any additional links and information so we may add to and improve this list.
From AVPreserve:
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works has gathered a list of resources for artists and galleries affected by Hurricane Sandy. For 24-hour assistance from AIC’s Collections Emergency Response Team call 202-661-8068.
Northeast Document Conservation Center 24 hour Disaster Assistance Hotline: (978) 470-1010
Lyras, Disaster Assistance: If your library or institution has suffered damage and would like to request assistance, contact LYRASIS Preservation Services at 800.999.8558. If you call after hours, you will be directed to an answering service; tell the operator you have a collections emergency and need to speak with someone from Preservation Services. If you are located inside the continental United States and you would like on-site assistance, we may be able to match you up with volunteers willing to help assist you in the response and recovery process. Also has information for volunteers.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference disaster relief grants application. Any institution with publicly accessible archival holdings or special collections in the MARAC region are can apply for grants. Each institution can apply up to $2,000 per grant. More information on the application process is available by clicking here.
The Society of American Archivists National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives. Any repository that holds archival records or special collections is eligible to apply for a grant. The repository need not be a member of SSA or SAA. Grant monies may be used for the direct recovery of damaged or at-risk archival materials; such services as freeze drying, storage, transportation of materials, and rental facilities; supplies, including acid-free boxes and folders, storage cartons, cleaning materials, plastic milk crates, and protective gear; and to defray the costs for volunteers or other laborers who assist with the recovery. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded. Click above for more information and application details.
New York State Archives, Disaster Assistance page for information on emergency preparedness and salvaging damaged records.
Library of Congress, Response and Recovery: Emergencies and disasters pose various threats to collections and family heirlooms, but damage from water exposure is arguably the most common. There are immediate response actions that can be taken to save affected materials and prevent further damage. Later, there are recovery actions that can be taken to address the damages sustained by affected materials.
Read More at loc.gov.
National Park Service Conserv-O-Gram Salvage of Water Damaged Collections: Paper, Non-Paper Based, Objects, Natural History, Textiles.
From the American Alliance of Museums: The AAM offers links to online recovery guides from multiple institutions, including the Minnesota Historical Society, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, and The Western Association for Art Conservation. As well as links to information on navigating FEMA and SBA Disaster Aid from Heritage Preservation.
From Heritage Preservation, The National Institute for Conservation: Heritage Emergency National Tastk Force, information on major disasters, including a link for reporting damage, contact information for state cultural agencies (Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, DC) and federal and state emergency management agencies: Region II: NJ, NY, PR, VI, Region III: DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV. Heritage Preservation offers a link to the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Disaster Network.