This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Committee on the Environment and Historic Resources Committee .
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In 2008, a report by Oxfam stated that natural disasters around the world had increased fourfold in just twenty years. In just a little over a decade, New York City alone has endured 9/11, a massive blackout, an earthquake, and a massive hurricane and resulting flood. With more than 250 million people affected annually, it stands to reason that preservationists must be prepared to address the aftermath of disasters.
Through lecture, hands-one tabletop exercises and field session this two-day workshop (Friday October 11, 2013 and Saturday October 12, 2013) will explore emergency preparedness, disaster response and recovery for our heritage sites & significant cultural resources housed within.
Day One at the Customs House will examine the importance of disaster planning and risk assessment, understanding the mitigation and response process, conflict resolution of multiple agencies and organizations, restoration and conservation do's and don'ts, the opportunity to develop common practices and procedures, and lessons learned from recent flood, fire and earthquake disasters including Katrina, Sandy and L'Aquila.
Day Two at Ellis Island-devastated by Hurricane Sandy -will serve as a laboratory for exploration and on-site discussions on the vulnerabilities of our cultural resources. Participants will also learn how Ellis Island/NPS handled the emergency, their damage assessment and mitigation management, how they are monitoring and managing the buildings without essential infrastructure, the process for prioritizing work toward recovery, and the plans underway for conservation and restoration.
The workshop is co-sponsored by the Alliance for Response NYC and facilitated by Jill H Gotthelf, AIA, FAPT, Principal at Walter Sedovic Architects. <http://www.apti.org/apt-2013-conference-new/ws1-disaster-preparedness-and-response/>
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Jill Gotthelf AIA, FAPT
Principal
Walter Sedovic Architects
Irvington NY
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