An important element of managing government records is planning for and recovering from natural disasters. In our consulting and training courses we advise securing the safety of personnel first and foremost, and then sorting out any damage to vital records in your office. While we are still waiting for the storm to disappear, recovery efforts are underway in many areas, so we want to help by connecting you to helpful resources
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Texas Library Association are working together to coordinate a response to damage caused to libraries and archives across the Houston and gulf coast region. Read the full TSLAC & TLA Joint Statement on our website: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/harvey_library_response.
The TSLAC website also has a list of disaster recovery resources for libraries, archives, and cultural institutions: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/hurricanesafety, as well as a blog post from the Library Development & Networking division sharing tips from New Jersey libraries after their experience with Hurricane Sandy: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/librarydevelopments/?p=22190.
And, as always, contact your Records Management Assistance regional analyst if you have specific questions about managing the records in your government office: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/slrm/local/countylist.html.
Please stay tuned to this blog for more updates and information.
Sending prayers to all who are affected by Harvey, may god be with you all.