Emergency Programs and Assistance

Responder in PPE assesses damage

Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Assistance

The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation recognizes that cultural heritage is at increasing risk from disasters due to our changing climate. Cultural heritage is critical to community resilience. Museum, library, and archive professionals have a responsibility to protect the art, history, and material culture they steward for the public trust.

We are here to help!

Explore our resources to find education opportunities, alliances and networks, resilience tools, and immediate assistance.

Get Help

If you are from an institution with collections that have been affected by an emergency, contact the National Heritage Responders hotline. Volunteers are available 24/7 to assist with general response questions and specific collection concerns. Responders can connect with you via email, phone, or virtually. For major incidents, in-person deployment may be possible.

Members of the public may contact the National Heritage Responders by emailing NHRPublicHelpline@culturalheritage.org.

Not urgent? Email emergencies@culturalheritage.org.

Collecting institutions have special considerations when it comes to dealing with emergencies and disasters. FAIC's programs and resources help you effectively manage emergencies and disasters to protect collections.

Emergency Numbers

National Heritage Responders 24/7 Hotline

202.661.8068 

NHR Public Helpline Email

Preparedness Tools

Explore tools to help your organization assess your risks and develop preparedness plans and strategies.


Find Resources

Disaster Response and Recovery

Find books, tip sheets, and webinars to support collections salvage and recovery.


Find Resources

MayDay

We encourage libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, and preservation organizations to set aside May 1st each year to take one action to make sure your institution is prepared.


Take Action

Alliance for Response

Our Alliance for Response (AFR) initiative builds teams of cultural heritage and emergency management professionals at the local level, the place where virtually all initial disaster response occurs.

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National Heritage Responders

The National Heritage Responders (NHR) serve the needs of cultural institutions and the public during emergencies and disasters through coordinated efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors, and the public.

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AIC Emergency Committee

The AIC Emergency Committee aims to promote awareness and increase member knowledge in the areas of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for cultural heritage. 


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Our Partners: HENTF

FAIC is a partner organization in the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), HENTF is a partnership co-sponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution that brings together over 60 non-profits and federal agencies from around the country to assist cultural institutions, arts organizations, and disaster survivors at the local level.

Our Partners: APT DRI

FAIC is a partner organization with the Association for Preservation Technology (APT) for their Disaster Response Initiative (DRI). DRI focuses on educating about heritage structures that are vulnerable to disasters. FAIC and APT have a formal Memorandum of Understanding to advance professional knowledge among their respective memberships and collaborate on disaster preparation and response initiatives.

Support Emergency Programs

Consider making a gift to support the National Heritage Responders and our emergency programs.


Donate Today!