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Disaster Planning Resources

Coping With Disasters, Violence, and Traumatic Events

Experiencing a disaster can cause significant mental distress that can lead to long term ill effects and mental illness. The links below provide information, resources, and knowledge regarding disasters and the mental impacts that follows.

For Children and Parents


Disaster Emergency Information Center

Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster can be overwhelming. This is your One Stop Shop for disaster recovery efforts for librarians, businesses, and the general public.

  • Disaster Apps and Mobile Optimized Web Pages

Stafford Act

The New Jersey State Library wishes to remind libraries damaged in a major disaster that they are eligible for federal assistance under the Stafford Act.

The Stafford Act authorizes federal assistance for temporary relocation of public libraries.  Libraries are now included in the list of public facilities that are eligible for federal assistance through FEMA with temporary relocation following a major disaster.

For the language in the Stafford Act, see http://www.fema.gov/pdf/government/grant/pa/9253_3.pdf. Eligible public facilities include facilities for police, fire protection/emergency services, medical care, education, libraries, utilities and other essential community services.

This change was announced in January 2011, by ALA: http://connect.ala.org/node/127510.


Disaster Planning Tools

Here is free template designed by the Northeast Document Conservation Center to help institutions of all sizes write comprehensive disaster plans.  dPlan can serve the needs of small institutions without in-house preservation staff, and library and museum systems that need to develop separate but related plans for multiple locations.

dPlan: The Online Disaster-Planning Tool


The most comprehensive disaster plans cover the four facets of the emergency management cycle prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery which correspond to before, during, and after a disaster. If you have been meaning to write a disaster plan but your efforts have stalled, the Connecting to Collections webinar recordings and course materials will help you establish the crucial first steps following a disaster.

Writing a Disaster Response Plan: A Guide


Note: the guide uses some Massachusetts based resources, but does contain general resources and good information. 

All Ready Reference: A Guide for Public Libraries for All Hazards


Extensive chart listing type of materials, priority for salvage, handling precautions, packing method, and drying method.  Includes not only maps and books, but also parchment and vellum, prints and drawings, paintings, computer media, audio, photographs of all types, transparencies, motion pictures and microfilm.

Salvage at a Glance Chart


One Page All Libraries (OPAL), a service continuity plan for libraries that helps you get your services up and running again, as quickly as possible, after a disaster.

One Page All Libraries (OPAL) Example


In the wake of a disaster it can be difficult to know where to begin the technology recovery process.  With so many other pressing concerns how should you prioritize IT recovery?  What steps need to be taken immediately and which can wait?


Community and state resources and information from the US Department of Homeland Security and other state and local governments.

Ready America


Excellent emergency preparedness and response toolkit.

National Network of Libraries of Medicine


Sample Disaster Plans


Resources, Suppliers, Vendors


Disaster Preparedness for Individuals and Families

An emergency can occur quickly and without warning. The most important thing you can do to keep yourself and your family safe from an emergency is to prepare, stay calm, and follow instructions from emergency personnel.


Disaster Preparedness for Organizations

Documents and Websites

Videos

Webinars


Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)


Hurricane Sandy Information Center


Ports in a Storm Resources


Red Cross Emergency Tip Sheets


Salvaging Library Materials

Documents and Websites

Videos

NJ State Library offers a variety of newsletters to keep you informed about library events, resources, and services.
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