Emergency Preparedness: Tornado Response and Recovery

Introduction

Insurance/Risk Management

Hurricane Recovery

Flood Recovery

Fire Recovery

Earthquake Recovery

Mudslide Recovery

Tornado Recovery

Publications

Web Links

Other Organizations

Tornados can damage collections in many ways. Books and papers may be blown from shelving and desks. Collections may be scattered, damaged and soiled. Roofs may blow off and walls and buildings may collapse, burying collections under dirt, beams, furniture and yard debris, or leaving collections exposed and vulnerable to wind, rain and snow. Structural collapse may cause fire damage to collections due to broken gas and power lines, as well as water damage from fire hoses and sprinklers, or broken water or sewer pipes. Collections may be recovered from damage if appropriate measures are taken. Dry collections may be salvaged and cleaned of soil, wet collections may be frozen to prevent mold growth, and broken book bindings, photographs and papers can be boxed or treated by professional conservators.

For more information, see the following links:

• The Library's Preservation Directorate's Emergency Preparedness webpage links to many helpful publications and organizations. The Family Treasures page on Preserving Treasures After Disaster includes information on drying wet materials and video clips on handling damaged objects. Other video clips can be found at the Heritage Preservation Foundation.
• The Library's collaboration with IFLA PAC contains a call list for expert guidance. Other experts can be found through the "Selecting a Conservator" page of the American Institute of Conservation.
• The Library's collaboration on A Primer on Disaster Preparedness, Management and Response: Paper-Based Materials with the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives, and National Park Service contains information on preparation in the event of a tornado.

Recommendations are compiled here to provide a convenient, efficient access to key concepts for reducing risks and responding to or recovering from emergencies. These suggestions are general, and based on good practice in libraries, archives, museums, and other collections-holding institutions. They may be superseded by requirements of a specific institution or emergency, or by the instructions of civil defense or other emergency responders.

Find additional information about tornados at:

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention