MEMORANDUM TO HEADS OF FEDERAL AGENCIES
October 4, 2001
The tragic circumstances in New York City, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, September 11, were unexpected. The Federal Government had to react quickly to save lives, restore services, and begin recovery operations. The media continues to document not only the devastation to people and buildings, but also the actions taken by the Federal Government to relieve suffering and restore order.
Sadly, one of the many lessons we have learned from the recent attacks on America is that we must now be prepared for the unexpected. As leaders of the Federal Government, it is our duty to ensure that our agencies are prepared for even the most unlikely threat. The Government must continue to function and provide services to the public under emergency operating conditions and resume normal business afterward. It is imperative that the information needed by the Government be readily available both to assist in recovery and ensure the continuity of operations. To ensure that the Government can respond immediately following a disaster, it is essential that your agency have an active disaster preparedness and recovery program for the records needed to provide essential government services and protect legal rights.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has resources available to help your agency develop or improve a program to manage its vital records. I am enclosing a copy of the NARA publication "Vital Records and Records Disaster Mitigation and Recovery" that contains guidance on establishing and managing a Vital Records Program in Federal agencies. Also enclosed is a list of other information resources.
In January 2002, NARA will offer special training sessions that will address disaster mitigation and recovery for Federal records, and provide additional guidance to agencies on establishing a vital records program. We will be contacting your staff shortly with additional information about these sessions.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of your role in supporting your agency's records disaster planning and recovery program. NARA looks forward to working with you to ensure that the information needed by our Government is secure and accessible. If members of your staff have any questions, please contact Michael L. Miller, Director, Modern Records Programs, on 301-713-7100 ext. 229.
Sincerely,
JOHN W. CARLINArchivist of the United States
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