Heritage Emergency National Task Force
Information on Major Disasters

The catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, killed more than 250,000 people, left over 1.5 million homeless, and destroyed much of the nation's infrastructure. It also devastated Haiti's rich cultural heritage. The new Haiti Cultural Recovery Project is working to rescue, recover, safeguard and help restore Haitian artwork, artifacts, documents, media, and architectural features damaged and endangered by the earthquake and its aftermath. Learn more about the work of conservators at the project’s new Web site.

Archive of Disaster Information

•	Upper Midwest Flooding 2009
•	Hurricanes and Tropical Storms 2008
•	Midwest Flooding 2008
•	California Wildfires 2007
•	Hurricanes 2005

Resources

Cultural Institutions

During major national disasters, a link is provided here for submitting damage reports or requests for assistance.

Contact Information for:

During major national disasters, lists of contact information for state cultural agencies and associations and state emergency management agencies are provided here.

The Task Force encourages coordination with state agencies when planning response efforts.

Coping with Water Damage, a 10-minute video from the Field Guide to Emergency Response

Dealing with Soot, a six-minute video from the Field Guide to Emergency Response

Save Family Treasures from Soot

Save Your Treasures the Right Way

Guide to Navigating FEMA and SBA Disaster Aid for Cultural Institutions

NEW! The Small Business Administration (SBA) now has economic injury loans available to nonprofits. In addition, limits for both physical and economic injury loans have been raised to $2 million. Visit the SBA’s Web site to access their new electronic loan application. http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works has a trained team of responders ready to help assess damage. Call the 24-hour hotline for assistance: 202-661-8068.

Field Guide to Emergency Response and the Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel

Download the assessment, supply and other forms from the Field Guide to Emergency Response

More resources for cultural institutions...

More resources for saving your family treasures...

Disaster Archive

Upper Midwest Flooding 2009

View the list of damage reports.
State cultural and emergency management agencies contact information.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms 2008

The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most active seasons in the 64 years since comprehensive storm record-keeping began, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). See NOAA’s season summary. The Heritage Emergency National Task Force provided resources for cultural institutions recovering from damage.