Disaster Resources

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.

Current NCAPER Response Activities

Midwest Storms

On August 11, 2026, derecho storms impacted wide areas in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. If you, an artist, or arts organization you know were impacted, here is information on recovery resources.

1. Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups affected 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.    

2. Members of the public and individual artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org  

3. HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at  https://www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/save-family-treasures.  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.    

4. If and when federal disaster declarations are in place (you can find declarations here), federal assistance may be available:

Artists and other self-employed individuals may be eligible for FEMA assistance to replace tools and equipment lost or damaged; a guidance booklet is here.

Nonprofits may be eligible for Public Assistance and other recovery resources; the Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Assistance provides guidance through multiple funding programs for artists and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations.

5. Artists impacted may be eligible for emergency grants and other support services:

The Entertainment Community Fund
MusiCares
Craft Emergency Relief Fund
NYFA/New York Foundation for the Arts Emergency Grants and Artist Emergency Resources.

6. Please encourage those impacted to fill out one of the following Rapid Damage Assessment Forms: 

Please reach out to NCAPER if you have additional needs or questions: info@ncaper.org.

Rapid Impact Assessment Surveys
In any crisis event, small or large, we encourage affected artists, we 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:

NCAPER Response Facilitation Calls
One of NCAPER’s core functions is to hold Response Facilitation Calls following a widespread
disaster. These are for those in the affected area, who decide if and how often to hold these
calls, and for how long. The Zoom events help convene and connect those impacted with one
another, to bring those with resources and experience together with the community to provide
advice and hear what is needed, and to help carry the story to the larger arts community. Series
of calls have been held for as short as a month, and as long as a year, following disasters
including Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands,
the 2023 wildfires on Maui, Hurricane Helene in 2024 which impacted five states, and the Los
Angeles-area wildfires and central Texas storms and flooding in 2025.
These calls are open to whoever wishes to participate. They are not recorded, providing
freedom to share and ask anything. Notes are distributed following each call along with a list of
relevant Resources.

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.