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Evacuating Your Studio

Artist and Beneficiary Christine Enos Studio Fire

Among emergency planners, the general wisdom is “Run from water, Hide from wind.”

“Now, we can get out of this place in 5 minutes with everything we need.”

– Kate Tonguis, Raku potter, Katrina survivor

If You Have Several Hours to Prepare:

Secure your studio (see below Tips for Securing Your Studio).
Keep tuned into the local Emergency Alert System (EAS) Channel, and plan two possible evacuation routes.
Let your Disaster Buddy know where you’re going and possible routes.
Turn on call forwarding from your business landline to your cell phone.
Pack up easily portable tools or instruments.
Get gas for your car. (Stations on evacuation routes often run out.)

If you have a day or more to prepare:

Transport easily portable artwork and tools to a prearranged off-site location.
Assemble what you’ll be taking along and determine how to pack your vehicle efficiently.

If you’re away from your studio:

Confirm procedures for securing your workspace and shutting down operations with assistants, family or co-tenants.
Review the post-disaster meeting place and/or contact system.

Tips for Securing Your Studio

Water or Wind Event

Exterior

Screw plywood over windows (or permanent storm shutters if you have them).
Sandbag doorways and perimeter (hurricane or flooding).
Bring any easily movable outdoor art objects inside.
Lock the entrance(s).

Interior

Unplug equipment and all cable connections (phone, computer, modem, printer, network) to protect from lightning strikes.
Move items to a higher floor if possible and wrap in heavy plastic.
Avoid attic and the basement area (if flooding is a possibility) for storage.
Get items at least 1 ft. off the floor and away from windows.
Wrap shelves, storage units, computers and other equipment in heavy plastic. Secure with waterproof tape.

Wildfires or other fires with advance warning

Move gas, fuels, oils and other chemicals—including propane bottles—away from the structure.
Clear a fire-safety zone of 30 feet around the perimeter.
Connect water hoses to spigots to put out small fires.
Lock the entrance(s).

Things You’ll Need

Essential business items (Vital Records and Documents)
Your CERF+ Getting Help Emergency Contact Booklet
Medical items for you and your family
Disaster supplies (if you are going to a public shelter, bring your own clothes, bedding, food, personal items and disaster supply kit)
Easily portable art supplies and tools, sketchbook, cameras, equipment or instruments
See the Resources sidebar for information on assembling a personal disaster supply kit

Taking Your Pet Along

Do not leave your pet(s) behind—but remember, public shelters will not allow you to bring an animal.
Make sure your pet is wearing identification.
Bring at least a three-day supply of your pet’s needs, including medications.
Bring your vet’s contact information (in general, pharmacies will fill an animal’s prescription).