Q: I had just had a disaster what do I do first?

A: The first thing to do is not to panic. Check it is safe with authorities to return to the building. Assess the situation and deal with the most damaged and most valuable items first.

Consult a conservator or relevant heritage professional.

Often your local art gallery, museum or library can assist with information.
Check relevant short cuts on this website for specific types of disaster.

Q: What do we salvage first?

A: Consult a conservator or relevant heritage professional.
Check relevant short cuts on this website for specific types of disaster.

Q: Who do I get expert advice from to save my heritage collections?

A: You should contact a conservator for advice and possible repair.
Often your local art gallery, museum or library can assist with information as well.

Q: Where can I get equipment from to salvage my collection?

A: Consult the local telephone directory to find local equipment hire companies or contact us for more specific advice.

Q: What is a disaster plan?

A: A disaster plan lists responsibilities, actions, supplies, materials, expertise etc relevant to preparing for and responding to a disaster. They include what needs to be dome immediately, in the event of a disaster.

Q: Why do you need a Disaster Plan?

A: It will make the job of saving your collections much easier and successful if you have relevant information immediately at hand and is less stressful at the time to refer to this plan.

Experience has also shown that if a plan is in place there is a better chance of saving more collections and those saved are likely to be in better condition than if the plan did not exist.

Q: Who can help us with the Disaster Plan?

A: Professional conservators should be able to help. In New Zealand you can access them through the New Zealand Conservation of Cultural Material website.