Disaster Response
In 2021, PACSCL formed a working group dedicated to assessing disaster response efforts among PACSCL members. In response to a survey distributed to PACSCL member institutions in January 2021, the Disaster Response Working Group drafted a response framework to aid its members in times of need.
The goals for this framework are to facilitate a network of people willing to help each other in times of local disaster with advice, support, or actual recovery assistance; to maintain an up-to-date list of emergency response vendors; and to maintain and expand multiple locations of disaster response supplies.
The benefits of this framework will include access to caches of shared disaster recovery supplies; access to a list of emergency response vendors who serve the geographic PACSCL that is updated every 6 months; easy to locate spaces for air drying and temporary storage; and the coordination of emergency response with local agencies.
Disaster Response Resources
Sample Forms
Funding for Disaster Relief
(May 1, 2023) The Lone Arranger Section of the Society of American Archivists announced the National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives (NDRFA), which provides grants that support the recovery of archival collections from major disasters, regardless of region or repository type. This is a grant that does not require SAA membership and is a great resource for small organizations that may be looked over for larger disaster funding.
Established in September 2005, the Society of Southwest Archivists and the Society of American Archivists created the SSA-SAA Emergency Disaster Assistance Grant Fund-a fund established to address the stabilization and recovery needs of archival repositories affected by Hurricane Katrina and later, Hurricane Rita.
Any repository that holds archival records or special collections is eligible to apply for a grant of up to $5,000. The repository need not be a member of SSA or SAA. Grant monies may be used for the direct recovery of damaged or at-risk archival materials; such services as freeze drying, storage, transportation of materials, and rental facilities; supplies, including acid-free boxes and folders, storage cartons, cleaning materials, plastic milk crates, and protective gear; and to defray the costs for volunteers or other laborers who assist with the recovery.
For more information: https://www2.archivists.org/groups/saa-foundation-board-of-directors/national-disaster-recovery-fund-for-archives