Documentation and Inventory:
- Document and photograph every valuable and important item in the collection.
- Store physical and digital documentation in secure off-site locations or cloud storage.
- Include detailed information such as descriptions, provenance, and current valuations.
Risk Identification and Planning:
- Identify potential risks, including natural disasters, accidents, technology failures, and security breaches.
- Develop a comprehensive emergency action plan for each type of potential threat.
- Create a priority list of items to be removed in case of an emergency.
Supplies and Contacts:
- Establish relationships with art handlers, conservators, emergency responders, and relevant professionals.
- Gather necessary supplies for emergency response, including packing materials, tools, and protective gear.
- Create a communication list of responders with contact details and roles specified.
General Precautions:
- Install monitored smoke detectors throughout the collection area.
- Place fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations.
- Store all flammable materials in fire-resistant containers.
- Ensure clear visibility of the street address for emergency responders.
Disaster-Specific Preparations:
Hurricane Preparedness:
- Designate a secure area to protect important items during a hurricane.
- Ensure that a backup generator can sustain critical systems for at least two weeks.
- Consult with art handlers on criteria for triaging art for evacuation.
Wildfire Prevention:
- Maintain a minimum of 50 feet of defensible space around the home.
- Regularly trim tree branches and store wood away from structures.
- Install ember-resistant venting and fire-rated skylights.
Earthquake Readiness:
- Confirm the location of the home’s seismic gas shut-off valve.
- Secure artworks using earthquake-mitigation hooks and museum wax.
- Affix sculptures and pedestals to floors and walls.
Apartment-Specific Preparedness:
- Record emergency contact details for building management and staff.
- Review and update emergency plans with building management regularly.
- Ensure art handlers are qualified and understand building access requirements.
Advanced Readiness:
- Establish relationships with art handling firms, conservators experienced in disaster response, and security personnel.
- Train staff and emergency responders on the emergency plan and response procedures.
- Keep appropriate packing materials, crates, and cartons readily available for important works.
Post-Event Recovery:
- Assess damage to the collection and implement measures to protect it from further impact.
- Provide a removal list to staff and emergency responders for coordination.
- Contact insurance advisors and preferred service providers to initiate the claims process.
Emergency Plan Maintenance:
- Regularly reassess and update the emergency plan according to any changes in the collection or potential risks.
- Conduct drills and simulations to ensure all involved parties are familiar with emergency protocols and response actions.