Records are everywhere, in both paper and electronic forms. While all records are important, not all records are essential to a government or its citizens.
Records provide transparency of government actions and protect the rights of citizens. Governments need documentation of decisions, laws and regulations, precedents and lines of succession and authority. Individuals need proof of identity, medical histories and documentation of assets. Communities need historical records to retain a sense of continuity with the past on which to build a future. These are the records that need to be protected now to ensure that they can be accessed in the future.
Emergency preparedness continues as a focal point of state and territorial archives activities. With increased threats of natural and man‑made disasters, the importance of managing risk with planning and training will help archives staff respond quickly and efficiently to safeguard records holdings from damage or loss.
Pocket Response Plan™ PReP™ Templates
The Pocket Response Plan™ (PReP™) is a concise document for recording essential information needed by staff in case of a disaster or other emergency. Every person having a response-related assignment should carry a PReP with them at all times.
