Museums have to consider the damage that earthquakes can do if they are located in regions of seismic activity. If they are in regions that are exposed to the threat of any kind of explosion (such as in an area of military activity or near an oil refinery, for example), it is also wise to think about the damage that can be caused by sudden, severe ground motion. Planning for this kind of problem is a part of the general risk management that museums must do.

Fortunately, there is a lot that can be done to mitigate the effects of earthquakes. Some expensive technology has been developed, but there also exist many practical and inexpensive measures that can be taken. Some simple methods are illustrated here, and some references to other information is included below.

(a) shows a coil of plastic tubing used as a cushion and to provide better balance for a round-bottomed vessel, preventing the vessel from tipping over.

(b) shows a filament (such as fishing line) used to anchor the vessel to the mounting surface and prevent tipping.

(d) shows the use of a specially prepared armature to hold the vessel and prevent it from tipping. (Point of contact with object can be cushioned - with a plastic coating, for example.)

(e) shows the vessel placed in a substrate which has been shaped or hollowed out to fit the base of the vessel.

(f) shows the use of a gum, clay, or wax to add support for the vessel from the sides and prevent tipping.

It is also possible to brace or secure shelving to reduce the chances of damage due to tipping.

For storage areas, it makes sense to cover or close shelf openings. This can be accomplished with doors, metal rods or panels, elastic cords, or nets - my preferred method. Barriers of elastic and even metal will flex and bend in an earthquake and may allow objects to drop through the gaps this produces. Hard surfaces are also dangerous if the objects are bounced against them. Nets allow visibility of shelf contents and are a soft barrier that shouldn't damage artifacts or specimens.

To ignore a risk to museum collections is to break the public trust in which they are held. Museums in Japan, California, and other parts of the world must take this risk very seriously indeed. It is necessary, of course, to integrate efforts for object protection with a well-thought-out disaster preparedness plan that includes protection and evacuation preparations for people as well as objects.

Some good links:

Seattle Art Museum earthquake info

Northern States Conservation Center

back to the museum page