Rothstein Associates Inc.

PROTECTING THE PAST FROM NATURAL DISASTERS: WHAT TO DO BEFORE,
DURING
AND AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER
by Carl L. Nelson

"When disasters strike, they often hit hardest on historic buildings and landscapes.
Hurricanes
blow off roofs and uproot ancient trees. Earthquakes tear apart Victorian Main Streets.
Floods
wash away irreplaceable furnishings and artwork. But simple planning steps can make a
difference. In this practical guide, the National Trust [for Historic Preservation] shows how
everyone who cares for our past can prepare for, respond to and recover from the next
natural
disaster."
- - - - - - - - - - -
"This book challenges Americans, particularly preservationists and public officials, to begin
now to protect our heritage before the next - inevitable - natural disaster strikes. The two
calamities of 1989, Hurricane Hugo and the Loma Prieta earthquake, offered an
indisputable
lesson: how well we prepare our historic places for the next emergency can and will make a
difference in how well, or if, they survive."

"This book outlines the process by which all players can prepare for and weather disasters.
Given the mission of the National Trust, our goal was not to publish an overall primer on
disaster preparedness. Instead, our focus here is on historic buildings themselves, rather
than
general matters of safety or objects and collections; other publications and organizations are
already addressing those issues. This book also is nontechnical in nature, because we want
to
stress planning and mitigation measures that public leaders and preservationists can carry
out;
other publications and groups similarly address the very technical aspects of this subject,
many
of which are cited here. And we have focused on major calamities such as hurricanes and
earthquakes, both because of the immediacy of the 1989 disasters, and the lessons they
taught for preservation, and because it is wise to prepare for the worst."
- - - J. Jackson Walter, President
National Trust for Historic Preservation

CONTENTS
Forewords:
Pete Wilson, Governor of California
Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor of Charleston, S.C.
Preface
J. Jackson Walter, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Acknowledgments
The Destruction of 1989 in Photographs
Lessons from Hugo and Loma Prieta
What Disasters Do to Historic Places
Before Disaster Strikes: Planning Measures
During a Disaster: Immediate Relief Action
After a Disaster: Recovery Procedures
Preparing for the Next Disaster: Recommendations for Action
Where to Get Help
Further Reading
Sources
Index

1991, 192 pages Order #DR-219 $20.00

4 Arapaho Rd.

Brookfield, CT 06804-3104

1-888-ROTHSTEin

Telephone: 203.740.7444; 888.768.4783

Fax: 203.740.7401

All bookstore enquiries should be sent to Rothstein Associates at the above address.

Looking for Practical Knowledge?