Emergency Preparedness & Relief

The creative sector, with knowledge of local cultural resources and community leaders, serves as a vital link within communities aiding in advance emergency preparation and quicker disaster relief and recovery. 

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, 2023 “marked the fourth consecutive year of 18+ billion-dollar disaster events in the U.S.”  Awareness, information, and tools are key to being prepared and minimizing the impact of an environmental disaster.

The following guides and resources can improve the resiliency of the cultural sector and understand our unique role in the recovery process.

Preparation

• Get to know your local emergency services before a disaster happens. Ask what they need and identify how you might help. For example, perhaps your organization could offer space to responders during a crisis.
• Do your research to learn about your local risks. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) interactive map helps determine your risk including community readiness. 
• Create your readiness plan and review it regularly. A plan is a combination of documents, processes, and training. Share your plan with local emergency services before an emergency strikes. Review and update the plan.
• Review the resources below to be prepared and access assistance. Many of these organizations work in partnership with each other, creating a strong network of support.

Resources

Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)  

The Craft Emergency Relief Fund provides emergency relief for craft artists. Building educational resources to empower craft artists to prepare for, navigate and thrive in the wake of emergencies and disasters, CERF+ remains a dedicated partner and advocate for craft artists and the craft community. Learn about their grants and resources:

• Get Ready Grant
• Emergency Relief Grant
• Resources and Training

dPlan|ArtsReady

dPlan|ArtsReady, a program of South Arts and the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC), is a comprehensive online tool for emergency preparedness and response, designed with arts and cultural organizations in mind, regardless of their size, scope, or discipline. Their tool aims to help:

• prevent or mitigate disasters
• prepare for the most likely emergencies
• respond quickly to minimize damage
• recover effectively while continuing to provide services to your community.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA’s focus on Arts & Culture recognizes the cultural sector as essential for community recovery and mitigation:

• FEMA’s fact sheet specifically for the Art & Culture sector.
• Disaster Assistance: available in declared disasters. 
• FEMA’s Guide to Expanding Mitigation through partnering with the cultural sector 
• FEMA ArtWorks Program raises awareness about flood mitigation
• FEMA’s Region 1 office covers all six New England states and ten Tribal Nations.
• Locate FEMA offices in other states and regions

Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF)

HENTF is a public-private partnership between FEMA, the Smithsonian Institution, and 60 national service organizations that supports response and recovery efforts the arts and culture sector as well as the public. View their database of resources searchable by work phase, disaster type, damage type, and more. 

MusiCares

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical health and welfare services to the music community in three key areas:

• Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services: Support, referrals, and emergency financial assistance for counseling, psychiatric care, inpatient treatment, coaching, intensive outpatient care, sober living and more.
• Health Services: Financial assistance during medical crises and preventive services such as dental and medical screenings, hearing clinics, and vocal health workshops.
• Human Services: Support for basic living expenses like rent, utilities, car payments and insurance premiums in times of hardship, plus programs addressing affordable housing, career development, legal issues and senior services.

Learn how to access assistance from MusiCares.

National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER)

As a voluntary task force of national, regional, state, and local arts organizations, public agencies, and foundations, the National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Response helps ensure that artists, arts/cultural organizations, cultural funders, and arts businesses have the capacity and ability to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies affecting the arts and culture sector. Visit their website to learn about:

• Policy & Advocacy
• Crisis Response
• Programs
• Tools & Resources

National Heritage Responders (NHR)

The National Heritage Responders (NHR) respond to the needs of cultural institutions and the public during emergencies and disasters through coordinated efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors, and the public. The NHR team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance. 

1. In case of emergency: Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups can contact the National Heritage Responders hotline. 
   • Individuals: email NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org
     • Institutions: call 202-661-8068
     • Non-urgent inquiries: should email emergencies@culturalheritage.org

The NHR website includes detailed tip sheets on managing mold, fire smoke, drying wet collections, and much more. 

Performing Arts Readiness

The Performing Arts Readiness project recognizes that performing arts organizations are especially vulnerable to disasters and emergencies which can halt performances, sometimes indefinitely, and can put an organization out of business overnight. Visit their website for information on: 

• Readiness Planning
• Training and resources
• Grants

Are we missing an important resource? Let us know.