Disaster plan for a museum (Malta Maritime Museum)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to briefly look into the developments of disaster planning. It further aims to identify the importance of such a plan by understanding the difference between a museum which had such a plan and another which did not have a disaster plan. The author chose the Malta Maritime Museum as a case study because it does not have such a plan. Risk assessment studies were made of the building and internal environments which include the display and storage areas, and a survey of the different constituent materials of the artefacts, to establish the risks which may cause a disaster. The studies revealed that fire in the exhibition halls and boat technician's workshop are the most likely disasters although shallow flooding does occur in the ground floor store and the roof leaks. The surveys indicate that most of the artefacts are made of various organic materials and that the building is not equipped with an adequate fire suppression system. Recommendations are given to maintain the building and artefacts in a stable condition and to establish the proper means in case of possible disaster, these include structural repairs, compartmentalisation of display and storage areas, better security alarms, fire detection and suppression system. Establish emergency escape routes and the emergency preparedness committee and respective teams. More staff is required and for them to be trained, and hold regular emergency training drills. Further recommendations include looking for better fire/water resistant materials for the displays used for the artefacts, also alternative storage spaces within and other buildings in the vicinity to be used in case of an emergency.