These technical resources can guide property owners of homes, businesses, nonprofits, or public properties in preparing for and recovering from a disaster.
Disaster Preparedness
- Disaster: Preparing Your Historic Resources for Disaster by the National Park Service
Disaster Response and Recovery
- Preservation Resource Center NOLA
The Preservation Resource Center and our Rebuilding Together New Orleans program helped the city recover after numerous natural disasters—and they have organized disaster recovery resources to help guide homeowners through the recovery process. - National Center for Preservation Technology and Training
NCPTT advances the application of science and technology to historic preservation. Working in the fields of archeology, architecture, landscape architecture and materials conservation, the Center accomplishes its mission through training, education, research, technology transfer and partnerships.- Disaster Resources
Since 2005, National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) has aggregated emergency preparedness and response information for collectors, museum professionals, cultural resource managers, building and maintenance crews, and others who care for cultural heritage. - Resilient Hertiage: Protecting Your Historic Home from Natural Disasters
Beginning with Hurricane Katrina and continuing through Hurricanes Ike and Sandy, the NCPTT has garnered valuable “boots on the ground” experience responding to cultural resource needs in post disaster response and pre-disaster planning. While owners of historic residential buildings are the target audience, many others can benefit from the information provided. This manual includes recommendations for ways to better prepare or harden historic homes to withstand disasters. While focused primarily on hurricanes and flooding, it also offers strategies on protecting buildings from hail storms, ice storms, tornadoes, coastal subsidence, wildfires, dam and levee failures, and hazardous materials spills.
- Disaster Resources
- Treatment of Flood Damaged Historic Buildings
- Hurricane Recovery and Preservation Tips
Hasty clean-up and decisions can lead to unnecessary loss or demolition. Following these tips may help you to safely salvage your historic home. - After the Flood: Emergency Stabilization and Conservation Measures
After the flood waters begin to recede, the focus of relief efforts becomes returning things to normal. During this phase, many historic structures and properties are needlessly lost and damaged through hasty clean-up procedures. The best way to help a historic district, property, or structure prevent additional damage and maintain its integrity and character during these times of duress is with the use of proper caution and concern.
Mid-Century Modern Resources
Many mid-twentieth century neighborhoods were affected by flooding from Hurricane Harvey. The following resources, while not disaster-oriented, may be helpful in addressing these historic properties.
- City of Miami Beach, Florida Post-War Modern Design Guidelines
- Denver, Colorado Midcentury Modern Pattern Book
- Thornton, Colorado Pattern Book
- Killeen, Texas Historic District Design Guidelines
Partner Organizations
- Preservation Texas
Preservation Texas is concerned for the life and safety of our fellow Texans who are being directly impacted by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey. This webpage includes information and resources that may be of assistance to those working with historic resources impacted by this complex and devastating storm. - Galveston Historical Foundation
GHF's mission is to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. For cultural organizations in Texas that are in need of help, GHF has experienced staff in museum management and collections. Their work during Hurricane Ike and post-disaster included working with private remediation companies and FEMA. - Preservation Houston
Houston is facing significant burdens in recovering from the unprecedented flooding brought by Hurricane Harvey, and historic neighborhoods will have their own unique challenges. Preservation Houston can provide professional advice and accurate, timely information about the resources available for the owners of flood-damaged historic properties.
