Disaster Resources for Libraries

Here are a few more disaster recovery resources, specifically for libraries.

LYRASIS, "the nation’s largest regional non-profit membership organization serving libraries [with a] mission of supporting libraries and information professionals by offering creative solutions and increased savings opportunities through collaboration, consulting, digital and preservation services, professional development, and group purchases," offers a number of planning resources, as well as connections to recovery assistance and volunteers.

The National Archives provides information about how to deal with papers, books, artwork, and other materials that may have been damaged in a disaster such as a flood or fire.

Disaster Recovery Resources

On May 1st, Governor Beebe "sent a letter to President Obama requesting a major disaster declaration for 57 Arkansas counties impacted by severe storms, tornadoes and floods beginning April 14. Those counties include Arkansas, Baxter, Benton, Bradley, Boone, Calhoun, Carroll, Chicot, Clark, Clay, Cleburne, Cleveland, Conway, Craighead, Crawford, Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Howard, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lonoke, Madison, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, Newton, Perry, Phillips, Pike, Polk, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Searcy, Sharp, St. Francis, Stone, Van Buren, Washington, White, Woodruff, and Yell." (From the official press release.)  This declaration means that storm victims are eligible for federal aid, as well as assistance from the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan program.

According to the Small Business Administration, you do not have to own a business to be eligible for assistance. "Renters and homeowners alike may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence to its pre-disaster condition." Some conditions do apply, so anyone interested in such a loan should contact the SBA and read the fact sheets before applying.

The Arkansas Chapter of the Red Cross has opened shelters in areas affected by flooding. For more information or to find a shelter near you, visit their webpage.  The Red Cross also has disaster preparedness kits and weather radios available to purchase.

For information about how to stay safe in floods, you can visit the Red Cross Flood Information page, and for more information about how floods form, the different kinds of flooding, and other weather related information, visit the National Weather Service Flood Safety homepage.

Earthquake preparedness and Relief options

We are all touched and saddened by the news that has been coming out of Japan this week following the earthquake and tsunami on Friday. If you are interested in making a monetary donation to relief organizations, consider using a charity rating system, such as Charity Navigator, to help decide which group to support. Charity Navigator ranks charities based on a variety of areas, including how much donor money actually gets to the people the charity serves.  Doctors Without Borders is rated as a 4-star (out of 4 stars) charity, as are World Vision and Save the Children. There are many 4 and 3 star charities to choose from.

Here in Arkansas, the earthquake in Japan, as well as the recent earthquake swarm near Greenbrier and Guy, should remind us to have emergency kits and plans in place, before a natural disaster strikes. For more information about how to prepare, visit Ready.gov, FEMA, and the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut.