As we swing into the vibrant month of May, let’s take a moment to embrace the power of preparedness. Whether through mobile apps, resource-rich webinars, or engaging podcasts, staying informed and ready is more than necessary—it’s a lifestyle for our artistic and cultural communities. Here’s the scoop on the tools, tips, and resources that have been buzzing on our social media feeds, all curated to enhance your safety and resilience strategies.
National Hurricane Preparedness Week: May 5-11, 2024
Don’t live on the Gulf Coast? It doesn’t matter! In US history, 305 Atlantic hurricanes have
brought hurricane-force winds to every state along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico – and in 2023, Hurricane Hilary traveled up the Pacific coast to southern California! Experts predict that Atlantic hurricane season in 2024 will have above-average activity, with 23 named storms - 11 that could become hurricanes and five with a high probability of becoming major hurricanes (Category 3 or above). Changing weather patterns means that many country areas might see hurricane activity. NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provides guidance on preparing for wind and water, evacuating your facility safely, and more.
This PAR webinar gives an overview of how to be ready and respond if you are impacted by a storm or other disaster.
Last weekend, 127 tornado touchdowns occurred, causing multiple destroyed and damaged homes in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa – we know that artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions have undoubtedly been affected. NCAPER and its partners at FEMA and HENTF (the Heritage Emergency National Task Force) wish to share information that may be helpful if you’ve been impacted and to collect information to help focus resources and assistance. Please help us spread the word about these resources!
Many NCAPER Partners offer relief and response programs, particularly for individual artists -
you can find links here.
Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups affected by the tornadoes 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 for advice and guidance.
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 HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at https://www.fema.gov/assistance/save-family-treasures. 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.
Please encourage those impacted to fill out one of the following Rapid Damage Assessment
Forms:
May is Wildfire Awareness Month
Wildfires are “unplanned, uncontrolled and unpredictable fires in an area of combustible
vegetation.” They can hit urban and suburban areas as well as rural communities. Studio fires,
blazes caused by arson and construction workers, and fires from lightning strikes are all risks.
Our partners at Performing Arts Readiness have tapped Chris Soliz, a career firefighter and
emergency management professional, to help arts organizations get fireproofed! Sign up for
free webinars with Chris: Fire Safety and Preparedness for Performing Arts Organizations on
May 15, and Fire and Emergency Protection Plan Development on May 21.
Let’s Stay Connected!
We do our best to keep our community informed and prepared. Follow us on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM for daily updates, tips, and more. Together, let’s ensure a safe and thriving future for the arts.