https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.states ... ate=ampart

This fire was set intentionally, but in the event of an accidental fire or other disaster, what is your museum or organization’s plan?

Thomas

In a lot of cases rail museums are located outside of populated areas, which means they may have longer response times, no hydrant services etc. I saw an ad for these, which might mean the difference between saving the structure and losing it entirely...I am in no way associated with the company or even a shareholder, just thought it was a pretty neat idea and cheap insurance too
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxm3rNuGrg0

Since we're talking about railroads why not just use foamers

https://youtu.be/wYAOHYKBYas

You can also check what gas stations use.

Something as simple as having up to code fire extinguishers in ever piece of equipment and in every structure as well as people trained how to use them is a good place to start. If possible, it's also a smart move have a good working relationship with your local fire and police departments.

It is a MUST to have working relationship your local first responders who need to know your facility. A simple introduction will go along way.

Our museum is an enclosed 14 acre park with 30 buildings which is routinely used for after hours police training. I am continuous giving "behind-the-scene" tours of our warehouses to members of the fire department. It is helpful the fire chief's office is located two-stories above mine.

Ken

Disasters can come in many different forms and sizes. These can be fire, flood, earthquake, wind damage, burst pipes, vandals, stray automobiles.

Disaster Plans are actually made up of several components:

1. What you can do to avoid incidents that can turn into disasters. e.g. Proper storage of paint and other combustibles.

2. Be equipped for your first response. e.g. Proper fire extinguishers for each environment -- different ones for different kinds of fires. Making of escape routes.

3. Work with local first responders (police, fire, EMT). e.g. Show then your property, access, get suggestions.

4. Your insurance company may have loss consultants that can help you review your property to eliminate or reduce accidents or incidents than can turn into disasters.

And then there is planning for recovery.

A. Identify your spokespeople. Who your staff (paid and volunteer) should, can and cannot speak to.

B. Provide for off-site storage of your electronic data.

C. Identify firms that can provide services for clean up, water damage, etc. after fires or burst pipes.

There are resources that can help. These include publications, on-line internet sites, talk with local museums (of all kinds). Also various local, state, regional and national associations serving the museum and archive communities.

Start in small steps and soon you will find you are covering all the variables and know what to do in case the big disaster occurs.

I'm sure someone is just making a "foamer" joke, but for the two of you that may take this seriously:

The only truly useful application of foam is to tackle fires in flammable liquids, such as jet fuel, acetone, etc., or prevent their ignition in case of a spill. This is a truly unlikely scenario in a rail museum setting. And those are expensive installations, much more so than sprinklers.