This month is bringing strong storms and excessive rainfall to California. We would like to share the following resources from the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a public-private partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Smithsonian Institution. Please reach out to your members and constituents to help gather reports of damage, identify any unmet needs, and share the following resources:
·. Cultural institutions and arts organizations affected by the flooding can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.
·. Members of the public who have questions about saving family heirlooms can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org
·. HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at Save Your Family Treasures | FEMA.gov. Here you can find the downloadable FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available in multiple languages.
