These organizations provide emergency assistance following a collections disaster in libraries, museums, archives, historic sites, and other cultural institutions. There is no fee for disaster assistance from these organizations.

North Carolina Based Organizations

Cultural Resources Emergency Support Team (CREST)
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) manages CREST to coordinate disaster preparedness and response initiatives throughout North Carolina. For assistance contact Adrienne Berney, Office of Archives & History, N.C. Dept of Natural & Cultural Resources, by email or at (919) 807-7418.

Mountain Area Cultural Resources Emergency Network (MACREN)
MACREN provides disaster assistance to cultural institutions in the Asheville, North Carolina region. For assistance contact Jeff Futch at 828-274-6789.

North Carolina Preservation Consortium (NCPC)
NCPC provides assistance to cultural institutions with referrals to consultants, organizations and companies, and recommendations for collections recovery. Workshops on writing disaster plans and salvage techniques are also available.

Other Organizations

Heritage Emergency National Task Force
The Task Force is a partnership of 42 national service organizations and federal agencies created to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies. Founded in 1995 by Heritage Preservation, the Task Force is co-sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Smithsonian Institute. Report damages via the Task Force’s online form. The information you provide will be used to assess damages on the ground and mobilize appropriate support at the local and federal level. Refer questions to FEMA Emergency Management Specialist Lori Foley at 202-826-6303.

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC)
AIC-CERT (Cultural Emergency Response Team) responds to the needs of cultural institutions during emergencies and disasters through coordinated efforts with first responders, state agencies, vendors and the public. For 24-hour assistance, call 202-661-8068. Phone and on-site deployment assistance is available.

LYRASIS
LYRASIS’ Disaster Assistance Service provides comprehensive information on disaster response seven days a week. Services include referrals to conservators, specialized consultants, disaster recovery companies, and specific disaster recovery advice on collection materials. Contact LYRASIS Preservation Field Services at 800-999-8558. After hours, you will be directed to an answering service; tell the operator you need to speak with someone from Preservation Field Services.

Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)
NEDCC Disaster Assistance staff members are available 24 hours a day to provide telephone advice when a disaster occurs. This service is provided at no charge thanks to a grant to NEDCC from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This service does not normally include on-site assistance. Disaster Assistance Hotline: 978-470-1010.