Disaster/Emergency Planning Disaster/Emergency Planning for Museums & Galleriesfor Museums & Galleries

Katherine Duvall MD, MPH, MS

Co-Director, Health in the Arts Program

University of Illinois at Chicago

OSHA RequirementOSHA Requirement

Every employer must have an emergency action plan (29 CFR 1910.38)

Recommendations after Recommendations after September 11thSeptember 11th

Review existing planConsider additions for potential terrorism

events

Basic Considerations of PlanBasic Considerations of Plan

Purpose Key personnel Evacuation Procedures for those “staying behind” Employee accountability Rescue/medical duties Outside emergency personnel Alarm System Training

Basic Components of Basic Components of Emergency PlanEmergency Plan

Set up planning team with leader Analyze hazards and capabilities Analyze vulnerabilities Assess impact on employees, property, and

business Develop plan Implement Plan

– Training– Drills

Special ConsiderationsSpecial Considerations

SecurityCommunicationsLife safety—employees and visitorsProperty protectionCommunity outreachRecovery

Special Concerns for Special Concerns for Museums/GalleriesMuseums/Galleries

Protecting visitorsSecurityReceiving art items/artifacts from other

countries

Review of Existing Plan-Review of Existing Plan-Consider:Consider:

Increase frequency of evacuation drillsIncrease number of first respondersIncrease frequency of personnel updatesIncrease security

Terrorist TacticsTerrorist Tactics

Biological– Spores (anthrax)– Bacteria– Toxins– Viruses

Terrorist Tactics (continued)Terrorist Tactics (continued)

Chemical– Nerve agents– Corrosives– Heavy Metals– Pesticides– Solvents

Terrorist Tactics (Continued)Terrorist Tactics (Continued)

RadiationExplosion/Fire/BombWater/Food supply

Additions to Plan-Additions to Plan-Consider:Consider:

Mail handling instructions and voluntary personal protection equipment

Protocol for handling materials coming from outside USA

Emergency supplies Clear protocol for who to call

– Police– Chicago Health Department– FBI

Assess Likelihood of Being A Assess Likelihood of Being A TargetTarget

May consider “tiered” approachIf threat imminent, increase level of

preparedness– Possibly closing museum– Essential personnel only– Additional security and property protection

SummarySummary

Review emergency planAdd to plan for protection against terrorismCommunicate with local emergency

personnel regarding planConsider medical input

ResourcesResources

www.bt.cdc.govwww.fema.gov/pte/gaheop.htmwww.OSHA.gov/bioterrorism/anthrax/

matrix/index.htm/