Compile a list of items that should be salvaged first following a disaster. Share this list with the fire department and clearly mark the items. Keep these considerations in mind when setting priorities:

Vital records, including accounts receivable, payroll and personnel records, and various legal documents should be give a high priority.

Is the item critical for ongoing operations of the institution?

Can the item be replaced?

Would the cost of replacement be more or less than the cost of restoring the object?

Is the item available in another format or collection?

Does the item have a high or low collection priority?

Is the item prone to damage if left untreated?

From: Northeast Document Conservation Center, Technical Leaflet Worksheet for Outlining a Disaster Plan.