24/7 Collections Emergency Hotline - 1-855-245-8303
NEDCC staff members are available 24/7 to provide telephone advice to institutions and individuals handling collection-related disasters. Information provided includes advice on drying wet collections and dealing with damage from fire, pests, and mold. This service does not include on-site assistance.
National Heritage Responders - 1-202-661-8068
The American Institute for Conservation’s National Heritage Responders (NHR) is a highly skilled team of conservators and other collections care professionals with expertise in emergency response. NHR members are available to provide advice to individuals as well as advice and on-site response to institutions. Email the team at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org. All assistance provided by the NHR is free.
Performing Arts Readiness Director Tom Clareson offers phone/email advice on salvage and preservation; reach him at tom.clareson@lyrasis.org.
FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution co-sponsor the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a partnership of 62 national service organizations and federal agencies created to protect cultural heritage. For guidance on salvaging water-damaged documents and cherished belongings, visit Save Your Family Treasures.
If a precious item is badly damaged, a conservator may be able to help. To locate a peer-reviewed conservator, click on the “Find an Expert” tab on the home page of the American Institute for Conservation and put in your zipcode. You could also contact the conservation/preservation department of any major local museum, library, or archives for advice.
The following fact sheets are available in English and other languages at Heritage Emergency National Task Force | FEMA.gov:
Salvage/DIY recovery tips from CERF+ for artists/studios