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Summer Weather Preparedness Resources

Posted by Arts Ready ; Posted on 
Summer Weather Preparedness Resources
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Are You Ready for More Severe Summer Weather?

As Tropical Storm Elsa reaches western Florida and northward today, and heat waves/wildfires are posing danger in many areas of the country, take this moment to update your summer preparedness plan! 2021’s hurricane season is projected to be more active than normal, and as we saw in 2020, many storms generated in the Atlantic and Gulf moved well inland and up the East Coast. Wherever you’re located, being prepared for impacts to your staff and facility is vital. Make sure you have these basic steps in place:

  • Assign a readiness/emergency leader for your organization through whom all communications and information should be relayed. Decide who makes the decision about suspending operations/events, and how those decisions are communicated.
  • Make sure your data is backed up regularly and remotely. Do a test data restoration to make sure you can get it back. Ensure you have power surge protectors and UPS (uninterrupted power source) in place to protect IT in a power outage.
  • If practical, de-install exhibits that may be threatened by weather or water and remove to a safer location.
  • Secure outdoor sculptures, furniture, bike racks, signage, etc. – anything that can become a projectile in strong winds.
  • Move  paper and digital records, costumes, scenery, instruments, valuable equipment and collections that are in areas vulnerable to flooding (i.e., the floor, the basement) or susceptible to rain (near windows or under roofs) out of harm’s way.
Heat Safety

Heatstroke can come on quickly and it’s highly dangerous. Watch this two-minute primer from the Event Safety Alliance and watch for signs to protect your staff, visitors and family:
https://www.facebook.com/eventsafetyalliance/photos/pcb.4332732050072630/4332731943405974

Can your facility serve as a cooling station during heat waves? Contact your local emergency services department or public health office to learn if and how your space can serve the community.

Outdoor Events

Outdoor events are the way many of us are getting back to live arts events! Make sure you are prepared! Have a dedicated weather watcher to monitor forecasts (https://www.weather.gov/) and sign up to receive local weather and other emergency alerts - https://www.nixle.com/. Pre-write scripts to make emergency announcements if you need to pause or evacuate events.

 

CERF+'s Resources for Artists

Hurricane/High Winds - Studio Readiness
Flood - Studio Readiness
Fire – Studio Readiness
Power Outage – Studio Readiness
Studio Evacuation

 

Free Webinars from Performing Arts Readiness (all are suitable for all disciplines):

Fire and Emergency Protection Plan Development

Learn the components of a Protection Plan and the process to follow for the development of a plan following guidelines provided by the National Fire Protection Association’s Code for Protection of Cultural Resource Properties. Grounded in a vulnerability assessment, the planning process covers fire safety, security, construction considerations, prevention, special events, and recovery strategies. At the completion of this webinar, participants will have the tools needed to begin developing a comprehensive Protection Plan that is compliant with industry safety standards and best practices. In conjunction with emergency management plans, this Plan is a significant step towards a resilient organization. Instructor: Chris Soliz. A recording of the May 20, 2021 session of this webinar is here.

Fire Safety and Preparedness for Performing Arts Organizations

Fire Safety is an essential element in the day to day preparedness of any organization, especially in the unique environment of the performing arts. In addition to sound emergency management principles, the application of National Fire Protection Association Standards (NFPA) will ensure that a comprehensive protection plan is developed in cooperation with appropriate emergency response partners. This free webinar will provide fire safety considerations and introduce best practices from the fire protection industry, which offers a road map to achieve fire safety benchmarks. Participants will learn how the Life Safety Code and the Code for Protection of Cultural Resource Properties can help you protect your patrons, staff, and facility. Instructor:Chris Soliz. A recording of the June 25, 2021 session of this webinar is here.

Introduction to Festival Safety: The Art of Mass Gatherings Approach

Embracing a whole community approach to safety and preparedness means helping event producers master the art of mass gatherings. Gatherings like festivals, concerts and other special events are simultaneously powerful and vulnerable. They can be joyful, life- giving experiences, but they can also be a forum for disaster. They can elevate a community's sense of pride and identity, yet they can be a source of enormous waste and missed opportunities. Topics covered: COVID-19 modifications; Life safety, health and public welfare; Legal concerns and emergency plans; weather emergencies; Enhancing accessibility; Mental and physical health first aid; Crowd management; Waste, water, and power systems; Harm reduction, gender safety and trauma-informed practices; Maximizing community engagement. Instructor: Matthew Che Kowal. A recording of the June 15, 2021 session of this webinar is available here.

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