Tip of the Month

Get Ready for MayDay

blog@craftemergency.org — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

May Day, the day of emergency preparedness for the cultural community is coming up. Here are four things you can do in May without spending much, if any money that will have a major impact on your emergency preparedness.

Back up your computer and get a copy to a Safe Off-site Location (SOL*). A backup lying on your desk will protect you if your drive crashes, but will be of no use in a fire, flood, or other emergency. Take the next step and store a copy in an SOL. *An SOL is a location 50-100 miles away from your studio that is not likely to be affected by the same emergency. This could be in a friend or relative’s house or an online backup. The Studio Protector Online Guide has more information on backing up your computer.

Helmets are In Fashion For Tornado Season

blog@craftemergency.org — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:58:00 GMT

The early spring has brought with it the most severe early outbreaks of tornadoes on record. You may be wondering, “what is the smart artist wearing this tornado season?”

The University of Alabama in Birmingham is now recommending that helmets (motorcycle, bicycle, football helmet, or hard hat should be added to the tornado protection equipment in your safe room.

Thespians Prove Preparedness Pays

blog@craftemergency.org — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:40:00 GMT

In 2006, with images from Hurricane Katrina fresh on the mind, the New England Youth Theatre took measures to protect new construction and the building they were renovating against flood damage. Those measures paid off in August 2011 when Tropical Storm Irene caused massive flooding across Vermont including NEYT’s home, Brattleboro.

Low-tech measures such as thickening the building’s concrete slab to resist hydraulic pressure, a concrete barrier to protect against flood-borne debris, and inexpensive drop-in floodgates to span doorways were employed to protect the building

Get a NOAA Weather Radio for Home and One for the Studio

blog@craftemergency.org — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:38:00 GMT

Tornado season in the South started early this year. The warning from a NOAA weather radio in the early hours of the morning was a reminder of how important it is for every home and workplace to have a functioning weather radio. A NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio broadcasts National Weather Service (NWS) watches, warnings, forecasts and other hazards 24 hours a day, seven days a week over all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and U.S. Pacific Territories.While 85-95 percent of the nation is covered by weather broadcasts, it is estimated that only 5-10% of Americans actually own a weather radio. It is especially important to have one when a storm strikes in the middle of the night, or when you are working in the studio and may not be listening to a radio or television.

Here are some facts and tips about weather radios:

Flooding is Not Covered by Your Business or Homeowner's Insurance

blog@craftemergency.org — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:57:00 GMT

The widespread flooding that followed Tropical Storm Irene up the coast from North Carolina to Vermont where the CERF+ office is located, has been a painful reminder of something we hear after every flood. That is, that many artists, business owners, and homeowners mistakenly assume that their insurance covers them for flood damage. Homeowner's and business insurance does not cover any damage from floods, or "rising water."

CERF+ Animation Takes On Artists and Business Insurance

blog@craftemergency.org — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:10:00 GMT

The scenario: In this frank, amusing, and informative two-part animation, Nora, a soon-to-be art school graduate asks Tim, an established artist whose work she respects, questions about business insurance. Note: The source of many of Tim’s comments come from comments CERF+’s director of programs, Craig Nutt, has heard during his six years advocating for and educating artists about business insurance.
The Studio Protector Online Guide has more information on a variety of insurance topics, including business insurance and a listing of sources for business insurance for artists.

I've Seen Fire and I've Seen Rain

blog@craftemergency.org — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:00:00 GMT

Photo: FEMA

September is National Preparedness Month, and the past month has underscored the importance of rain, and the destruction caused by too little or too much of it. In Vermont, where the CERF+ office is located, we are dealing with the aftermath of unprecedented flooding that came with Hurricane Irene. Just like the many other floods we see, most people did not have flood insurance on their homes and businesses. Many people are learning the painful fact that homeowners and business insurance does not cover "rising water."

While the East Coast was being washed away, the wildfires in bone-dry Central Texas intensified.

Eight Cyber-Security Tips from the Studio Protector Online Guide

blog@craftemergency.org — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:12:00 GMT

The news has been full of reports of cyber-espionage and cyber-warfare. However, you do not need to be a world power to be targeted by cyber criminals. The Studio Protector: The Artists Guide to Emergencies has just added a page on Cyber-Security: Computer and Online Safety Tips. Here is a sampling of tips:

Have good antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware and firewall software installed on your computer and update daily.
Keep your computer backed up and copies in a Safe Offsite Location (SOL).
Do not open suspicious emails and attachments, even if they come from a reliable source.
Use long and strong passwords with a combination of random characters, and use different usernames and passwords for each account.

Down to Earth Preparedness Tips from NASA

blog@craftemergency.org — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:38:00 GMT

NASA has been in the news this month with the retirement of the last Space Shuttle, Atlantis, and the end of the current manned space flight program. Long known for preparing astronauts for any emergency that may arise, NASA is now encouraging its families to become better prepared for disasters.

Flood Cleanup and Salvage

blog@craftemergency.org — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:44:00 GMT

Given the flooding this spring and early summer affecting large areas in our nation, many artists are faced with the challenges of cleaning up and salvaging artworks, tools, and other items for themselves or for others affected by the floods. It doesn't take a breached levee to create some of these problems - an overflowing toilet or burst pipe can cause some of the same damage albeit on a smaller scale.

Bonus Tip: Prepare for a Zombie Apocalypse

blog@craftemergency.org — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:21:00 GMT

Last month the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta issued an emergency preparedness blog that went viral within the preparedness community. Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse provides answers to a question that is on the minds of many people, "How do I prepare for a zombie apocalypse?" To be prepared the CDC recommends

Survive a Tornado

blog@craftemergency.org — Tue, 24 May 2011 13:47:00 GMT

The April tornadoes that caused hundreds of deaths in the Southeast, are a grim reminder of the need to know what to do to improve your chances of surviving. Despite the huge death toll, countless lives were spared because people got to a safe place before the tornado struck. Even if you do not live in a tornado-prone area, you may be visiting an area where tornadoes happen, or may experience a freak weather event. Here are some tips to help you survive a tornado:

MayDay 2011

blog@craftemergency.org — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:00:00 GMT

May 1st is the national day of preparedness in the cultural community and, not coincidentally the beginning of hurricane season. To mark MayDay, we suggest that each artist and arts organization do one thing that will help them get more prepared for emergencies. Here are 5 suggestions.

1. Make a list of risks to your business (you may have done this last month). Pick one and do something to lessen the risk. Create a plan for lessening the others.

2. If you don't have business insurance, get a quote. It may cost less than you think. We find that many artists could cover their businesses for about the cost of a latte per day. Remember-your homeowner's or renter's insurance probably does not cover your business building, property, or liability. Here is a listing of companies that insure artists.

Spring, Early or Not, Brings Increased Risk of Floods

blog@craftemergency.org — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:14:00 GMT

Punxsutawney Phil and all the major groundhogs agree that spring will come early this year. While even the thought of an early spring is welcome after this particularly brutal winter, sudden freezes, snow thaws, and spring rains bring increased risk of flooding no matter where you live. Even if your studio is covered by insurance, business insurance (like homeowner's insurance and renter's insurance) does not cover "rising water." Watch this interview with New Hampshire furniture maker Gary Spykman as he talks about his experiences with a flood in his studio

Earthquake? Drop, Cover, Hold On

blog@craftemergency.org — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:19:00 GMT

January 17th was the seventh anniversary of the Northridge, California earthquake, and devastating earthquakes last year in Haiti and Chile remind us that an earthquake can happen any time. Even if you do not live in a seismic zone, there is still a possibility that you could be visiting one when an earthquake strikes. If you are remember to:

Drop- don't run, you are likely to injure yourself trying to run while the earth is shaking. If you are inside, do not run outside where you may be hit by falling debris. Stay where you are.
Cover - get under a a table or other sturdy piece of furniture or a structure that will protect you from falling objects.
Hold On - to a table leg and ride out the shaking.

8 Fire Safety Tips from the Studio Protector

blog@craftemergency.org — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:21:00 GMT

Fire Prevention Week was October 3-9 so this is a good time to focus on some basic fire safety tips for the studio. Here are 8 fire safety tips from the Studio Protector: The Artists' Guide to Emergencies:

1. Install dual-sensor fire alarms in studio if you do not already have them

2. Test alarms frequently, the most common cause of failure is dead batteries. Replace batteries in spring and fall

3. Be sure you have adequate fire extinguishers located near each exit.

9 Wildfire Tips from CERF+

blog@craftemergency.org — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:27:00 GMT

The recent wildfires near Boulder, Colorado underscore the importance of making preparations to help protect our studios and homes from the threat of fires, and to have a plan in place in case of fire.

We hope that everyone already has an evacuation plan and disaster supply kit prepared for their home. CERF+ has found that, even in disaster-prone areas, artists often fail to make preparations to protect their careers.

Here are 9 tips for wildfire preparation from the Studio Protector: The Artist's Guide to Emergencies:

1. Create safety zone of at least 30 feet around your studio and home, by removing and reducing highly flammable vegetation. Attempt last-minute measures only if they do not endanger you or others.

2. Remove debris from locations close to structures.

3. Enclose all eaves. Use fire-resistant siding and safety-glass windows and doors.

Protect Your A's (Art, Assets, & Archives) From Moisture

blog@craftemergency.org — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:30:00 GMT

It is the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and this month's tip focuses on protecting valuables such as artwork from moisture.

Avoid basement storage of art and valuables
Protect artwork from moisture from above and below. Raise valuables above floor level, and if a storm or flood is imminent , consider moving them to a higher floor if possible. Protect from above and below with heavy plastic or tarps Keep gutters and drains unclogged
Check plumbing fixtures and sprinkler systems periodically and fix leaks
Neither business insurance nor homeowners' insurance covers damage from "rising water." You do not have to live in a flood zone to purchase flood insurance. More information

Make an "End of the Day" Checklist

blog@craftemergency.org — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:33:00 GMT

This month's "Tip of the Month" comes from the Studio Protector MayDay 2010 Contest. One of the best entries came from Hilda Melchior of Fairbanks, Alaska who wrote: "I made an "end of day" check list. Check: gas off, power tools and pickle pots unplugged (we have lots of power outages here), pickle pots covered, fan off, air make up window closed (not good to leave open when it's below 0); make sure all tools and other items are firmly placed and not near an edge (in case of earthquake) and one last scan to see if anything does not look right."

Protect Your Artwork from Above and Below

blog@craftemergency.org — Sat, 01 May 2010 16:37:00 GMT

As the flood waters in Rhode Island and Tennessee subside and hurricane season begins we are reminded that many disasters involve water. A broken pipe, damaged roof, or the water from putting out even a small fire can have the same devastating consequences to your art work as if the water came from a flood or hurricane. The Studio Protector recommends protecting your work from moisture from above and below by elevating it off the floor on shelves, bins, or pallets and cover it with plastic or tarps if there is danger of water coming from above.

Flood Insurance is needed to cover damage from "rising water"

blog@craftemergency.org — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:40:00 GMT

New Hampshire furniture maker Gary Spykman avoided flooding when he lived in hurricane-prone areas, only to have his studio flooded three times in succession, in an area he believed to be outside of a flood zone.

It is important to be aware that serious flooding sometimes occurs in areas that are not designated as flood zones. With hurricane season a month away and spring rains and thaws happening right now, serious flooding can result not just in coastal areas but far in-land in low-lying areas and near rivers and streams.

Without a SOL*, You May Be “Out of Luck”

blog@craftemergency.org — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:42:00 GMT

Find a *Safe Offsite Location to store copies of your images and critical records such as business documents, sketches, and process notes. A SOL is a place 50-100 miles away from your studio that is unlikely to be affected by the same disaster. A safe deposit box in your community, while useful, may not be the best place to put this material. A Gulf Coast artist who went through Katrina showed us the slab where his bank used to be, the building is somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico. More on studioprotector.org…

Beware of Show Directory Scams

blog@craftemergency.org — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:46:00 GMT

(Note: We normally think of emergency preparedness as relating to forces such as fire, the weather, and other natural causes. However, falling victim to a scam is a very real emergency - one that can be career-threatening.)

We recently received a call from an artist who fell victim to a common trade show scam that now appears to be aimed at art fairs and craft shows.

The artist received an offer for a free listing in an online show directory. The name and address of a prominent national craft show in which he was participating were printed at the top of the page, and so he assumed (as the directory promoter hoped) that it was connected with the show in question.

Unfortunately, he signed up for the free listing without reading the fine print.

Hurricane Season is Here

blog@craftemergency.org — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:04:00 GMT

Now that hurricane season is clearly here, it's never too late to protect yourself and your art business from loss due to a hurricane. Do something this week that will get you closer to being adequately prepared. Here are some ideas to inspire you!

-Make a Disaster Supply Kit
There are plenty of resources on the web to help you put together a kit:
Red Cross
FEMA
Ready.gov

-Information Backup
Your art career probably depends on a greater variety and quantity of information than you realize. Organize, duplicate and store it for reliable retrieval in case the primary source is destroyed.

Your homeowner’s insurance probably does not cover your business!

blog@craftemergency.org — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:09:00 GMT

According to the recent CERF Business Insurance Survey a high percentage of craft artists mistakenly believe that the structure that they work in and/or their business property is covered by their homeowner’s insurance. Unless you have negotiated for a special endorsement (rider), homeowner’s insurance normally covers only about $2,500 for a home office--money intended for a desk, file cabinets and computers, but not buildings used for business purposes.