FEMA – MD Winter Storm

The Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a public-private partnership between FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, is supporting response and recovery efforts of Maryland’s arts & culture sector – and the public. 

1. Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups affected by the winter storm can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.    

2. Members of the public and individual artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org . 

3. HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/save-family-treasures. Here you can find the downloadable FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available in multiple languages.    

4. Please encourage those impacted to fill out one of the following Rapid Damage Assessment Forms: 

·        Cultural Institutions 

·        Arts Organizations 

·        Individual Artists and Performing Groups 

5. Were there any damages to archaeological sites, historic buildings, natural, or other cultural resources? HENTF is a supporting organization of the Emergency Support Function (ESF) #11, coordinated by the Department of the Interior (DOI). Through ESF #11, DOI supports natural and cultural resources during times of disaster on state, local, tribal, and territorial lands. Please contact errd_oepc@ios.doi.govto determine if ESF #11 technical assistance is available and how to access it. Learn more about ESF #11 HERE.