Disasters such as floods or fire can happen unexpectedly in any library, and it is up to the staff to minimize damage by acting swiftly. The International Federation of Library Associations provides a website directory on disaster preparedness at http://www.ifla.org/VI/6/dswmedia/en/int_sini.htm. As it is not known which staff members will be present when disaster strikes, it is highly beneficial to train the staff at large. All staff should receive some level of disaster-response training and be familiar with the institution's disaster-response plan. Training in operating fire extinguishers, and in handling and moving damaged materials, is important for all staff. Mock-disaster workshops can be helpful, not least because they involve emergency personnel such as firefighters and police. A number of websites provide useful guidance on disaster planning, including the following:

• http://www.nedcc.org/welcome/disaster.htm
• http://www.seflin.org/preserv/intplans.html
• http://www.indiana.edu/~libpres/plan/disaster.html
• http://home.vicnet.net.au/~conserv/disaster.htm
• http://www.loc.gov/preserv/pubsemer.html
• http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/bytopic/disasters