Following a disaster, a state Governor may declare an official emergency which releases state resources for response and recovery; a Presidential emergency declaration releases federal resources which typically flow from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, through the State and Counties. 

A current list of federally Declared Disasters is available here>> 
Those impacted should check their state emergency office website to learn about emergency declarations and schedules to apply for assistance. Through FEMA, private non-profit cultural institutions and arts organizations in designated counties/parishes may apply for repair of their facility as well as of any damaged collections materials. Artists and arts workers may also be eligible for Individual Assistance.  

​

Dear Arts Colleagues,
A major disaster declaration has been made on July 6 th for the Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding that occurred in Texas this past weekend (DR-4879).
I’m sharing this information and resources from NCAPER and our partners at HENTF; please distribute to your communities/constituents who may have been impacted. If, in the coming week(s), it would be helpful for NCAPER to host a Response Facilitation Call to connect those impacted on the ground with responders and resources, please let me know and we are happy to coordinate this.
a. Public Assistance is currently available for categories A-G in the following county: Kerr County.
Learn more about Public Assistance Categories. We will keep you informed of any updates to this
as it happens. The Public Assistance Program Delivery Process. For more information, go to
Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide Version 4 (fema.gov). 
b. Salvage/Emergency Protective Measures may include, but are not limited to:  
1. Temporary emergency repair (blue roofs and other work) or stabilization of an eligible facility if it
eliminates or lessens an immediate threat 
2. Wet vacuuming, damp wiping, or vacuuming with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)
equipment of the interior space  
3. Removal of contaminated gypsum board, plaster (or similar wall finishes), carpet or floor finishes,
and ceilings or permanent light fixtures 
4. Cleaning of contaminated heating and ventilation (including ductwork), plumbing, and air
conditioning systems or other mechanical equipment 
5. Removal or relocation of collections to prevent damage or loss 
6. For help salvaging paper, media, textiles and objects/artifacts, email the National Heritage
Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org or call the NHR Hotline at 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. HENTF’s (the Heritage Emergency National Task Force).
Save Your Family Treasures guidance for water and fire/smoke damage is available at
https://www.fema.gov/assistance/save-family-treasures
c. Individual Assistance is available to individuals and households in the following county: Kerr
County. For disasters declared on or after March 22 nd , 2024, FEMA’s Individual Assistance
program was expanded to include quicker access to needed funds including simplifying
assistance for self-employed individuals such as self-employed artists and entrepreneurs. Learn
more about individual assistance for self-employed applicants and share the Quick Reference
Guide for Self-Employed Applicants.
d. Emergency grants/resources for individual artists are listed here.

e. Find Disaster Recovery Center locations as they become available here: DRC Locator.

f. Were any cultural institutions or arts organizations affected? If so, how? Please encourage those
impacted to fill out one of the following Rapid Damage Assessment Forms hosted by the
National Coalition of Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response and the Foundation for
Advancement in Conservation:
 Cultural Institutions
 Arts Organizations
 Individual Artists and Performing Groups

​

​

Download our Arts Disaster Recovery Resources Postcard here>>

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

Additional emergency resources for artists:
The Entertainment Community Fund - Find out more here>>
MusiCares - Find out more here>>
CERF+/The Artists Safety Net - Find out more here>>
NYFA/New York Foundation for the Arts - FInd out more here>>

​

Additional emergency resources for organizations:
Cultural institutions and arts organizations 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 phone advice and guidance.

 

Museums with damage to their collections may be eligible for FAIC funding/assistance for an assessment: For more information>>.

 

Emergency resources for funders:
Funders and service organizations can learn ways to streamline and expedite assistance to artists and organizations through two NCAPER resources:

• Guiding Principles for arts disaster philanthropy Available here>>

• The Essential Guidelines for Arts Responders Organizing in the Aftermath of Disaster - Available here>>

​

Emergency Resources for Everyone:
For questions about salvaging heirlooms and other objects/artifacts can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org, and HENTF’s (the Heritage Emergency National Task Force) Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available here>>. 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.
You and/or your organization may be eligible for FEMA assistance if you are in an area designated under a presidentially-declared disaster. To help demystify federal disaster relief, read An Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief, available free online in English and Spanish: https://www.ncaper.org/general-8-1. 

 

If you have not been affected, we encourage you to take some time to begin or update your Readiness Plan for your own organization or practice; resources include www.artsready.org and www.performingartsreadiness.org for organizations, and www.cerfplus.org for artists.

 

Emergency & preparedness resources for seniors:

Many Americans have emergency plans, but these often overlook the unique needs of older adults, including those with limited mobility or sensory impairments. Recognizing this gap, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Guide tailored specifically for older adults to ensure they're well-prepared for any disaster.

 

Key Features of the Guide:

• Special Considerations for Sensory Impairments: Tailored advice for older adults with hearing and visual challenges, ensuring their emergency preparedness plans are inclusive and effective.

• Custom Emergency Planning: Step-by-step guidance to develop a robust emergency plan that considers the specific needs of older adults, enhancing their safety and peace of mind.

• Tailored Emergency Kit Instructions: Detailed recommendations for creating an emergency kit that addresses the unique requirements of older adults, including medication management, mobility aids, and more.

• State-Specific Resources: An easily downloadable PDF guide offering state-by-state emergency preparedness resources, making it simple for older adults and their caregivers to find relevant information and support in their area.

​

This guide is an essential resource for older adults and their families, providing the tools and information to navigate emergencies confidently. Visit our website to access the NCOA's Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults guide and ensure you're prepared for whatever comes your way.