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Disasters of various kinds can and do strike libraries, fire and water being the worst enemies. The Florence disaster and the recognition that prevention and rapid response can do a good deal to minimize damage have led to increased interest in disaster control planning at a local level. In Scotland, the National Library, having completed its own Disaster Control Plan in 1983, funded a project for the compilation of a national disaster plan. As a result, a planning manual was produced in 1985, providing advice to Scottish institutions on disaster prevention and reaction, and the basic structure of a plan. The British Library and the National Library of Wales are among other national libraries that have taken steps to increase awareness. National initiatives are important, since not all requirements of expertise and equipment can be met at local level. National action should include the establishment of standards for buildings and storage systems designed with the aim of preventing disasters and reducing damage, and the provision of support and help in an immediate post-disaster situation.

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