Batten Down the Hatches The Importance of Disaster Preparedness in Museums

Transcription

1 Batten Down the Hatches The Importance of Disaster Preparedness in Museums

2 The National Museum of Bermuda (formerly the Bermuda Maritime Museum) Located in Bermuda s largest fort, Royal Naval Dockyard Non-Government, not-for-profit registered charity Opened as the Bermuda Maritime Museum in 1974 by Her Majesty the Queen Took over derelict site and began restoration of the historic buildings Commissioner s House opened in 2000 Acquire Casemates Barracks and transitioned to the National Museum of Bermuda in 2009 Mandate: NMB actively promotes the preservation, understanding and enjoyment of Bermuda s cultural heritage through education, stewardship, historical, archaeological & scientific research, exhibition, acquisition, public outreach and advocacy

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6 The National Museum of Bermuda - TODAY 16-acre property 8 Grade I listed buildings Over 70,000 artifacts in collection 2 apartments, a student hostel, and Dolphin Quest 6 full time staff: Executive Director, Facilities Manager, Curator, Registrar, Conservator, Administrator 4 part time staff Interns and Volunteers

7 Emergencies & Disasters Scenario 1: Minor to Moderate localized emergency within NMB; localized leak, minor flooding Scenario 2: Major Disaster involving entire NMB team; fire, major flooding Scenario 3: Catastrophic event affecting NMB, wider community and potential resources; Hurricane

8 The calm before the storm Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1 November 30 Historically strongest hurricanes that have threatened Bermuda hit in October Preparation starts before the season begins NMB s Hurricane and Tropical Storm Plan is reviewed and updated, reflecting any changes to NMB staff, contact list, or facilities Staff Meeting to refresh everyone with updated Plan Inventory of all NMB Hurricane, Salvage and First Aid kits

9 6 Phase Hurricane Plan Phase 1: Tropical Storm & Hurricane Watch Monitor conditions Phase 2: 5 Days before the Storm ETA Phase 3: 96 to 72 hours before Storm ETA Phase 4: Tropical Storm & Hurricane Warning Phase 5: Day of the Hurricane Phase 6: Day after the Hurricane

10 Phase 5: Day of the Hurricane Museum closed Staff monitor local and NMB hurricane conditions: PTZtv, WindGuru, Social Media

11 Worst Disaster period in NMB history October 12 th, 2014 Hurricane Fay (Category 1 direct hit winds gusting over 100mph) October 18 th, 2014 Hurricane Gonzalo (Category 2 direct hit wind gusts as high as 144mph) October 4 th, 2015 Hurricane Joaquin (Category 1 wind gusts 85mph) October 13 th, 2016 Hurricane Nicole (Category 3 / 4 direct hit wind gusts 120mph)

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17 Protecting the Collections Records and artifacts were moved into the Corange Lab Before the large freezer arrived certain objects were kept in a small one Some began the drying process on bread racks then and there Protone Cleaners (preapproved), volunteers and staff removed water and cleaned the area as quickly as possible A waterproofing membrain was applied to the curatorial roof And then staff began phase 5 all over again!

18 The Freezer Pre-approved vendor Less than 24 hours after the storm 24 foot deep freeze container provided by Tommy Chiappa of T. C. Associates Limited Freezing has many benefits However, it is not appropriate for all materials and objects

19 Documentation

20 Dehumidifiers, Blowers & Fans Bermuda architecture: limestone Known vendors Less than 24 hours after the storm Industrial equipment However, it is not appropriate for all materials and objects

21 Objects

22 Papers

23 Helmet

24 Metals

25 Sextant & Weight

26 Swagger Stick

27 Barometer

28 Ship Model

29 Suitcase

30 Sucrose Treatments

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35 Rebuilding: Protecting the collections Protection from: Theft Dusts Offgassing Smoke/food/physical damage By: Moving collections Monitoring & response to changes Signage Checking in on the collections Preapproval and conversations with the workers Covering

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39 Keys to Success Solid Disaster Management Plan Communication Local resources and volunteers Flexibility Patience repairs will take longer than you think Know your limits and when you need to outsource Celebrate the small victories