Disasters

On April 14-16, 2011, at least 153 confirmed tornadoes led to severe destruction across 14 U.S. states in one of the largest single-system tornado outbreaks in the country's history.

NCPTT worked in conjunction with the American Institute for Conservation to produce the workshop series, "After the Storm: Recovery of Wet Collections," which was held in March.

Publications AIC Disaster Response and Recovery - The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works has information on wet recovery of family heirlooms, salvaging water-damaged textiles, and saving photographs after a flood. An Evaluation of Supercritical Drying and PEG/Freeze Drying of Waterlogged Archaeological Wood (PDF, 9.1MB). Comparing Mass Drying and Sterilization Protocols for…

A free webinar session at the 29th International Submerged Lands Management Conference will address cultural resources. This session will cover issues surrounding the assessment of injury and damage to submerged cultural resources from oil or chemical spills, groundings, looting or any other man-made impact. The speakers will discuss the various methodologies that are used to conduct…

A good plan can determine whether a cultural collection survives a disaster or fades into memory. And while nature can be unpredictable, the online disaster-planning portal "dPlan" offers a streamlined, reliable way for institutions to protect their cultural collections. Created through funding by the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, dPlan is a free,…

AIA Disaster Assistance Program ATC-45 Field Manual: Safety Evaluation of Buildings after Wind Storms and Floods Before and After Disasters: Federal Funding for Cultural Institutions CDC Index of Printable Hurricane and Flood Materials CRM Online: Disaster Management Disaster Management Programs for Historic Sites Disaster Planning for Florida's Historic Resources FEMA: Earthquake Publications and Resources FEMA:…

Before going further, let me add my own heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the storms that have so recently swept through the South. Above all, the personal tragedies of our fellow citizens require our support and our understanding.

Transcript and show notes for the Preservation Technology Podcast, Episode 3: Rapid Documentation of Historic Resources with Barrett Kennedy. Download Episode 3 as an mp3 or subscribe via iTunes.

NCPTT received a final report from a PTT Grants project, "Protocol for Emergency Washing, Drying, and Sterilization of Historically Significant Books" by the University of Utah’s Marriott Library.

This document is written as general guidance for property owners, as well as state and federal officials, for the care of historic structures facing the impact of oil contamination from releases of crude oil in marine and terrestrial environments, whether from oil tankers, drilling rigs, wells, offshore platforms, or pipeline breaks and failures.

In the wake of recent oil spills, many in the public sector recognized a need for concise, reliable information to protect cultural heritage from the long-term effects of crude oil. In particular, government officials, archeologists, and preservation professionals wanted to know the risks associated with crude oil contamination on buried and submerged archeological objects and…

This summer, NCPTT, the Tulane School of Architecture, the Preservation Trades Network, and Save Our Cemeteries hosted training on treatments for above ground cemeteries damaged during Hurricane Katrina.Topics included masonry applications, preservation technology, limewash, appropriate treatments for tombs, and a history of the cemeteries of New Orleans. This video was produced by Tulane University.

Maintaining public records requires judicious management of resources. It compels records custodians to identify simple, practical, cost-effective approaches that can be incorporated into daily routines.

Days before touch down, managers and stewards of historic landscapes should be well prepared for the aftermath of a major catastrophe. Preparedness at Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens begins at the start of Hurricane Season, not days before a storm.  Major efforts include the thinning of historically significant trees, as well as trees close to…

Preparing your collection for a disaster could greatly increase what survives. Northeast Document Conservation Center recommends to first prepare an emergency preparedness plan. This will allow your staff to respond quickly before, during and after a disaster with explict instructions that will provide the best practices for preparing and salvaging your collections. For assistance in…

If any substantial changes are planned to prepare a historic building for a disaster please refer to the Secretary of Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Structures and check with all local and state authorities before making any changes. This article provides information on disaster preparedness in the face of floods, high winds, hurricanes,…

Disasters can strike at anytime, sometimes with little or no warning. Experience has shown us that while natural disasters can leave a path of destruction there are also man-made disasters that can bring an area to its knees.Being informed and preparing for those that could affect you are key to saving your site, building and…

The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) is gearing up to assist preservation professionals and the public as Hurricane Sandy makes its way towards the eastern seaboard of the United States. Since 2005, NCPTT has aggregated emergency preparedness and response information for collectors, museum professionals, cultural resource managers, building and maintenance crews, and…

The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) is gearing up to assist preservation professionals and the public as Hurricane Irene makes its way towards the eastern seaboard of the United States.Since 2005, NCPTT has aggregated emergency preparedness and response information for collectors, museum professionals, cultural resource managers, building and maintenance crews, and others…

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness CDC: Coping With a Disaster or Traumatic Event CDC Fact Sheet: Prevent Injury after a Disaster FEMA: A Guide to the Disaster Declaration Process and Federal Disaster Assistance FEMA: Featured Resource Records Heritage Emergency National Task Force: On-line Courses in Emergency Management for Cultural Heritage Responders…

The purpose of this paper is threefold; to emphasize the problem of fire safety for historic buildings, to identify potential for a performance-based approach to this problem, and to discuss development of performance objectives and criteria for heritage properties.

Since the summer of 2010, NCPTT has been actively researching the removal of crude oil from objects and sites of cultural significance, such as Fort Livingston. This 19th century coastal fort on Grand Terre Island, Louisiana, was badly contaminated by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Our scientists visited the site twice last year to…

NCPTT has released updated Building and Site Condition Assessment forms and a database for use in documenting the devastating effects of natural disasters on historic properties. FEMA’s Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Program are already putting these tools to good use to document effects of the April tornado outbreaks throughout Alabama.

The effects of oil contamination on cultural resources will continue to be a challenge to the Gulf Coast region for years to come. NCPTT is meeting this challenge with technical research support for state and federal land managers, and for the public.

Tad Britt, NCPTT's Chief of Archeology and Collections, spent 13-23 November in Staten Island and surrounding area surveying hurricane damage per Section 106 of the NHRP, as amended.  Britt was part of the READ (research advisor) team who were deployed to investigate the park properties, which had been subjected to the ravenous effects of Hurricane…

The Kate Chopin House, named for the legendary feminist writer who lived there during the 1880s, burned to the ground in an early morning fire today.

Simple book repair was defined as those repairs meeting the following criteria: the repair could be completed in a relatively short period of time, required a relatively low level of conservation skill and experience, and could be accomplished with available tools and supplies.

NCPTT hosted a MayDay Event "Preparing You for the Next Disaster" in Natchitoches, La.

This article contains maps and lists from Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita recovery efforts in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.

If a disaster has affected your collection, time is of the essence. The following pages provide basic information on a variety of materials that may be part of your collection.The Salvage at a Glance series is part of the NPS Museum Management Program's Conserve O Grams.Conserve O Grams are short leaflets that focus on caring…

NCPTT has prepared an interactive map showing Gulf Coast cultural resources within the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) zone. This zone is established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This map below plots resources listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes National Park Service sites and National Historic Landmarks.

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated major portions of the Gulf Coast.

In response to Hurricane Katrina, two NCPTT staff members were embedded in the Joint Field Office (JFO) preservation task force. Architecture and Engineering Chief, Andrew Ferrell joined in October 2005 and was followed by NCPTT Materials Research Program Chief, Dr. Mary Striegel in November 2005. Both have worked with FEMA and the Louisiana State Historic…

NCPTT recently provided a daylong consultation with David Patterson and Brett Smith of Sipapu Cemetery Services.

The health and safety of people before, during and after a disaster should always be the top priority. Possessions can be replaced. People cannot.Ready America and FEMA provide information on preparing yourself, family, home, and business for disasters.Being prepared can save time and lives when a disaster is imminent.

These maps are provided courtesy of the Cultural Resources Geographic Information System Facility (CRGIS) which aggregates data from several sources as noted below. Certain sensitive sites, such as archeological sites, are not displayed. Additional resources:ERMA at GeoPlatform.govNOAA ORR MapsDeepwater Horizon Response Maps

Resources on funding before and after a disaster.

NCPTT made a second visit to Fort Livingston, Grand Terre Island, in September, 2010. Eight surface washing agents were tested for their effectiveness in removing weathered crude oil from the brick masonry at the fort. A few of the products tested were somewhat effective, removing approximately 50% to 70% of the surface soiling from the…

NCPTT’s Andy Ferrell recently participated in the first Louisiana Flood Protection and Ecosystem Restoration Professional Development Program.

On October 29, 2012 Hurricane Sandy made landfall in the New York and New Jersey coastal area. The news covered the destruction, devastation and loss to homes, business, and families. In the weeks after the storm surge had receded we first started hearing about the loss and damage to cultural materials. The first time I…

Latest Earthquakes in the USA Earthquake Hazard Program, “Latest Earthquakes in the USA”, USGS. What You Can Do Bolt sill plate to foundation Reinforce crawl space or “cripple” walls under floor joists Connect rim joists to top plates with metal brackets1 1“What You Can Do”, Structural Engineers Association of Northern California, 25 Jan 2007.

With the historic preservation expertise of the NCPTT and the proximity of the Center to the Gulf Coast, the Center was involved in the cultural resource response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Saving Our Heritage Public Service Announcement (LPB) Get the Flash Player to see this player. QuickTime (Web Streaming) 19.5 MB (Right-click, choose Save As) Download QuickTime (Full Definition) 2.0 GB (Right-click, choose Save As) Download NCPTT Damage Assessment Tools Detailed Building and Site Condition Assessment. The Detailed Building and Site Assessment is a three-page form…

In response to the recent flooding in the Midwest and fires in California, NCPTT's Sean Clifford and Mary Striegel continue to update the NCPTT web pages on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

These resources have been assembled to help people mitigate risks to cultural resources when faced with a disaster. Whether you need to prepare for a disaster, mitigate damage after a disaster, or seek the assistance fo a conservator, these resources can help your institution with preparation and recovery efforts.

Department of Labor: Midwest Flood Recovery Assistance - Information about National Emergency Grants (NEGs), employment, cleanup, and recovery. FEMA Midwest Flood Response - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has compiled information on flood recovery. Flooding and Historic Buildings Technical Advice Note 2004 Heritage Emergency National Task Force - A partnership of 41 national service…

The difficulty of imposing building and fire codes on historic buildings has been a subject of wide spread concern in recent decades.

Developing this technology will enable planners and others to better assess risks to historic resources, plan effective mitigation strategies, and improve disaster response.

NCPTT Detailed Building and Site Condition Assessment. The Detailed Building and Site Assessment is a three-page form that may be used to make a more intensive survey of damaged properties after natural or manmade disasters. The form requires some knowledge of architectural history and survey techniques in order to produce the most accurate results. It…

Boston University produced this training video to raise awareness of fire risks to cultural properties and to provide technical information about fire detection and suppression systems including sprinklers, gaseous agents, and water mist.

Creating a disaster plan before a disaster strikes can be of great assistance in mitigating damage and loss. There are online tools such as dPlan that provide templates to help institutions develop a customized plan. Disaster plans assist in identifying risks and create procedures to follow if an event occurs.The best disaster plans in the…

Conserve O Gram 21-01: Health And Safety Hazards Arising From Floods Conserve O Gram 21-02: An Emergency Cart For Salvaging Water-Damaged Objects Conserve O Gram 21-03: Salvage Of Water-Damaged Collections: Salvage At A Glance Conserve O Gram 21-04: Salvage At A Glance, Part I: Paper Based Collections Conserve O Gram 21-05: Salvage At A Glance,…

Recovery specialists need to have a clear sense of the pros and cons of existing treatment options before they can respond effectively.

NCPTT sponsored the colloquium “Wind, Flood and Heritage Recovery” as part of the APTI pre-conference activities.

US/ICOMOS seeks abstracts that discuss innovative, successful programs and partnerships involving collaboration in international preservation within three broad areas.

NCPTT's Andrew Ferrell recently completed a detail in Texas to assist FEMA with recovery efforts related to Hurricane Ike.

The NFPA Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) provides a multiattribute approach to evaluating fire safety performance.

A new preservation technique involving the use of supercritical fluids to dry waterlogged archaeological wood will be investigated and compared to current preservation treatments.

This study evaluates the physical effects of drying waterlogged archaeological wood using supercritical carbon dioxide as compared to air drying and the polyethlene gylcol (PEG)/freeze drying method.

Mary Striegel represented NCPTT at the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) board meeting, held Nov. 2-4, 2006.

The web version of the Simple Book Repair Manual was created by members of Preservation Services, Dartmouth College Library.

Within days of Katrina, NCPTT was helping FEMA with its damage survey. At FEMA's request, the Center took the lead to produce a Rapid Building and Site Condition Assessment tool and database that FEMA could use to evaluate flood-damaged historic buildings in New Orleans and surrounding parishes. Rapid Cemetery Condition Assessment and Detailed Building and…