Most emergencies affecting collections are relatively minor—for example, accidental water damage to a few hundred books. Thus the most effective steps a library can take during the planning phase have to do with the recovery of water- or fire-damaged books and other library materials. The following identification tasks are essential parts of the planning phase and should be assigned to task force members.

This section is divided into twelve main steps. It is recommended that you follow each section in order, as the information is cumulative.

1. Essential parts of a disaster response plan
2. Examples of disaster response plans
3. Facilities and risks audit
4. Floor plans
5. Salvage priorities
6. Drying and packing areas
7. Emergency supplies
8. Other supplies on site
9. Supplies and equipment off site
10. Suppliers
11. Conducting a response and recovery workshop
12. Three cases for discussion