Dear Kentucky colleagues,
Our hearts go out to you and your fellow Kentuckians in the wake of the devastating tornadoes. The Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a partnership between FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, is ready to support you, Kentucky arts organizations and cultural institutions, and local and state government entities that have been affected. HENTF and its 62 members – federal agencies and national service organizations – are ready to provide technical assistance, guidance, and resources (primarily in the form of subject matter expertise) now and into recovery.
Life safety and life-sustaining activities remain the highest priority. Please check on the status of your colleagues, grantees, constituents, and members.
You can help the public salvage cherished photographs, letters, and other irreplaceable objects. As survivors pick through the debris of their homes, the items that mean the most to them can be saved rather than discarded, offering hope on the long journey of recovery . Please help disseminate this important information:
Save Your Family Treasures | FEMA.gov. This FEMA site offers guidance to help individuals and families salvage their treasured family belongings following a disaster. The site includes the two-page fact sheet Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Treasures (fema.gov), which is available in multiple languages. The site also contains step-by-step instructions to help survivors stabilize their treasured photos, documents and papers, and books and buy time to make an educated decision on further treatment and handling of family mementos.
Resources for the Public | Smithsonian. This Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative site offers the above guidance along with additional how-to resources.
The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, has a public helpline email address to provide guidance on salvaging family heirlooms: NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org
The National Heritage Responders also staffs a 24/7 hotline to assist cultural institutions affected by the tornadoes: 202-661-8068.
HENTF has begun compiling reports of damage to arts organizations, cultural institutions, and government records-holding entities. If you are aware of any damage in this space, please let me know. With this information, we can work with you and our federal partners to protect these valuable cultural and historic resources.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. HENTF is here for you.
Respectfully,
Lori
Lori Foley
Coordinator | Heritage Emergency National Task Force
Office of Environmental Planning & Historic Preservation
Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration | Resilience
Mobile: (202) 826-6303
lori.foley@fema.dhs.gov
culturalrescue.si.edu/hentf
Federal Emergency Management Agency
fema.gov