Emergency Resources for Museums
During an Emergency
Prioritize the well-being of yourself, your staff, and volunteers above all else. Even if your collection is in jeopardy, never endanger lives.
Canadian Conservation Institute Emergency Line
The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) operates a 24-hour emergency line to provide support during heritage emergencies.
For advice from CCI, members of the Canadian heritage community can call 1-866-998-3721 day or night and press 0 for Security.
Inform the operator that you have an emergency to ensure your call is given top priority. During normal work hours, your call will be passed immediately to someone who can assist you. During non-working hours, the operator will request the following details from you:
- your name, institution, location, and your telephone number
- the nature of the collection affected
- the type, extent, and severity of damage
- what action, if any, has been taken so far
This information will be conveyed to a CCI staff member and you will be contacted as soon as possible.
ANSM Emergency Contact
We’re here to help! The best method to reach someone during non-working hours is by email to emergency@ansm.ns.ca
We will do our best to help, and connect in a timely manner.
Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office (EMO)
The Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office (EMO) is responsible for emergency planning and coordinating emergency responses. The office works with municipal authorities to help plan for emergencies, coordinate provincial resources when there is an emergency and help with analysis and evaluation after an emergency. We also administer the provincial emergency 911 service.
Department of Canadian Heritage
Is there any financial assistance available to help museums after a disaster?
The Department of Canadian Heritage offers emergency support to heritage institutions affected by a natural disaster. Financial assistance may be provided to institutions through the Collection Management component of the MAP to help undertake urgent remedial action in order to mitigate the damage to collections caused by a natural disaster. For further information, please contact the nearest regional office of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
HELP! An Emergency Preparedness Manual for Museums
The Alberta Museums Association HELP! An Emergency Preparedness Manual for Museums, 2nd Edition, is a guide to help collecting organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. It offers expert, up-to-date guidance, and is designed to be a hands-on reference book to be used for different points on the emergency preparedness planning and response cycle.
BC Heritage Emergency Response Network (BCHERN)
The BC Heritage Emergency Response Network is a growing consortium of art, culture and heritage professionals and volunteers in BC who feel morally and professionally obliged to plan for emergency situations and to support other cultural institutions in the event of localized emergencies that impact collections.
This page is a cooperative initiative between the Association of Nova Scotia Museums and the provincial Nova Scotia Museum. The aim is to provide information to museums in Nova Scotia to better respond to emergencies and adapt to the effects of climate change. In the event of an emergency please follow advice of local emergency alerts.
