How to Prepare for Records Disasters

• Basics of Preparing for Disasters
• Benefits of Preparing for Disasters

Click to expand each topic...

Backups...

• How Long Do Backups Need to Be Kept?
• What's the Difference Between Microfilm and Microfiche?
• WaTech - Data Backup and Recovery Standard (June 2023) (external link)

Essential Records...

• How to Find Which Records are Designated as "Essential"
• What Does an "Essential" Designation Mean?

Planning Resources (Checklists and Worksheets)...

• Disaster Preparation Checklist
• Disaster Preparedness Worksheet
• Supplies and Services Disaster Response Checklist

Records Storage...

• Are Fire-Proof Safes/Cabinets Required?
• Benefits of Using Washington State Archives' Boxes
• Selecting Appropriate Records Storage
• Selecting Appropriate Shelving for Records Storage

Services Available from the Archives...

• Imaging Services
• Security Microfilm

Other Resources...

• Council of State Archivists (CoSA) Emergency Preparedness (external resource)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (external resource)
• Syracuse University's Disaster Preparedness Guide for Library Collections (external resource)