Uprooted but Not Forgotten: Caring for Collections After Tornadoes

Tornadoes strike fast — often with little warning — and when they do, their destruction can be as catastrophic as a hurricane or flood. On March 25, 2021, a devastating EF‑4 tornado tore through Newnan, Georgia, flattening homes, damaging historic buildings, and pushing the city into emergency response mode. This post explores how the cultural institutions navigated the crisis and what you can do to prepare for wind-based disasters, wherever you are in Georgia.

In the early hours of March 26, 2021, Newnan was hit by an EF‑4 tornado with peak winds over 170 mph. The twister cut across Coweta County, damaging historic neighborhoods, schools, churches, and sites tied to the city’s cultural memory.

Impact on community spaces:

• Local museums and archives escaped with minor damage, but many buildings nearby — including the high school, churches, and many homes — sustained broken windows, roof loss, and water damage.

• First Responders activated response plans and boarded up vulnerable areas, as conditions allowed.

• Community responders and volunteers from local groups arrived within 24 hours to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts.

  
  

Resources to prepare in advance:

• A printed disaster checklist can be used to assess buildings before power is restored.

• Pre-positioned supplies (plastic, flashlights, gloves) can help staff and volunteers begin triage immediately.

• Training that is drilled on in advance can give team members the confidence to act decisively and document losses.

Planning for Tornado & Wind Events

1. Plan for Roof and Glass Failure — Not Just Floods

Tornadoes and high winds often rip off roofs or shatter windows, exposing collections directly to the elements.

📌 Tip: If you have large windows or questionable roofing, consider relocating vulnerable items seasonally, or prep spaces with plastic before bad storms.

2. Reassess Storage Based on Wind Risk

For instance, Floyd, and its counties fall in FEMA Wind Zone IV, which indicates potential for 200+ mph winds. Do you know what wind zone you are in?

📌 Tip: Store irreplaceable materials away from outer walls and attics, and basements. The safest place for these items is an interior closet, or with you.

3. Develop a Response Partner Network

Past success in response efforts is usually in part because teams had pre-established relationships with local EMA, fire, and GLAM networks.

📌 Tip: Know who your local emergency manager is — and share your disaster plan with them ahead of time.

4. Document, Document, Document

Even if you can’t begin salvage immediately, take photos and video of every room and storage area. This helps with insurance, recovery grants, and collections prioritization later.

📋 Checklist: Tornado-Resilient Collections Planning

Before Tornado Season

•  Review plan for wind-related impacts (not just water)

•  Store key collections away from windows/roofline

•  Assemble emergency supply kit: flashlights, gloves, plastic, USB backup of documents

•  Identify priority items in storage with tags or color codes

•  Introduce yourself to local EMA and fire/rescue before an event

During a Watch or Warning

•  Relocate top-priority items if safe to do so

•  Unplug equipment and protect electronics from water

•  Confirm staff emergency roles and communication plan

After a Tornado

•  Ensure the building is safe before entry

•  Begin photo/video documentation

•  Stabilize wet items: air circulation, separation, blotting

•  Contact your network to report damage and ask for support if needed.

  
  

📣 You Can Prepare For Disasters!

The 2021 Newnan tornado was a wake-up call for many heritage professionals in Georgia — not just those in the direct path. It reminded us that tornados can strike anywhere, even overnight, and cultural collections are rarely top of mind during emergency response. But with preparation, training, and community partnerships, even small institutions can protect what matters most.

👋 Is your institution ready? Start with one step: review your storage zones and emergency contacts this month — and share this post with colleagues who may not have a plan in place.