Weathering the Storm:

Protection Tips for Art Collectors

Talk to Our Art Risk Specialists

If you’ve invested in building a meaningful art collection, you’ve likely taken steps to secure and insure it. But true protection goes beyond what’s on paper. From common mishaps such as leaks and transit damage to the evergrowing threat of natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires, art collections are increasingly vulnerable — and many of the most effective safeguards start well before disaster strikes.

Here’s what you should be thinking about now to protect your collection for the long term.

Everyday Risks Are Often the Most Overlooked

Many collectors are surprised to learn that everyday events — water leaks, mishandling, and unexpected moves — account for the majority of art-related losses. These risks are far more common than large-scale disasters, and thankfully, many are preventable:

  • Maintain a cloud-based inventory of your collection that includes packing instructions, condition reports, and locations
  • Store basic emergency packing materials on-site, such as gloves, glassine, foam, and Tyvek
  • Train household staff to know who to call and how to avoid causing damage if they need to respond after hours
  • Install water sensors and automatic shut-off systems — these inexpensive additions can prevent thousands of dollars in damage
  • Work with a conservator to create a condition baseline and provide guidance in an emergency
  • Do condition reports before and after moving works, even just within your home or between residences

Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be intentional.

Natural Disasters Require a Different Level of Planning

With wildfires in the West, hurricanes in the Southeast, and flooding nearly everywhere, the growing impact of climate change means collectors must now plan for natural disasters as part of responsible stewardship.

For Wildfires:

  • Create a defensible space around your home — clear dry brush and keep vegetation trimmed
  • Seal vents and ducts to prevent embers from entering
  • Turn off HVAC systems, or run them in reverse to keep smoke and ash from entering the home
  • Have crates or emergency packing supplies on-site for high-priority works
  • Pre-identify an art storage facility and handling team that can assist if evacuation becomes necessary

 For Hurricanes:

  • Install impact-rated glass and reinforced roofing systems to reduce wind and water damage
  • Know your storm surge risk and consider moving art above flood lines or offsite ahead of a storm
  • Keep artworks off the floor and away from windows or doors during hurricane season
  • Understand your insurance coverage—does it respond to wind, water, and mold?

In any natural disaster scenario, the key is planning ahead. Once a storm is named or an evacuation is ordered, time and availability shrink fast.

Being Proactive Protects Value

It’s undeniable — there is a cost associated with proactive planning Inventory systems, conservation services, secure storage, and architectural upgrades all require investment. But these are not expenses; they’re value-preserving strategies. In the aftermath of a disaster, having the right documentation, relationships, and systems in place can mean the difference between a quick recovery and an irreplaceable loss.

As a collector, your role isn’t just to acquire and enjoy art — it’s to care for it, protect it, and ensure it lasts. Risk management is part of that responsibility. And like great art, the best protection plans are built to endure.

Collector’s Art Risk Preparedness Checklist

Protect your collection from everyday risks and climate-related disasters

Everyday Risk Preparedness

circle_check  Maintain a cloud-based inventory with photos, locations, packing notes, and condition reports

circle_check  Store emergency packing materials on-site (gloves, Tyvek, foam, glassine, soft wraps, tape)

circle_check  Train household staff on basic art handling and who to contact in an emergency

circle_check  Install water sensors in vulnerable areas (under sinks, near HVAC, in storage rooms)

circle_check  Add automatic water shutoff valves to reduce leak damage

circle_check  Schedule regular condition reports—especially before and after transport

circle_check  Keep relationships current with your conservator and fine art handler

Wildfire Preparedness

circle_check  Create a defensible space: clear brush, trim trees, maintain fire-safe landscaping

circle_check  Seal vents and ducts to prevent ember intrusion

circle_check  Turn off HVAC systems (or reverse them) when fire approaches

circle_check  Pre-identify an art storage facility with emergency intake capabilities

circle_check  Have a prioritized artwork list for evacuation or emergency handling

circle_check  Keep crates or wrapping supplies ready for key pieces

Hurricane & Storm Preparedness

circle_check  Install impact glass and reinforce roofing to protect against wind and water

circle_check  Understand your flood risk and storm surge exposure

circle_check  Elevate artwork off floors, away from windows and exterior doors

circle_check  Plan ahead to move works offsite or to higher floors before a storm

circle_check  Confirm insurance coverage includes flood, wind, and mold

circle_check  Review logistics for emergency access, shipping, and transport if evacuation is needed

General Planning

circle_check  Review your insurance coverage annually with a broker who understands art risks

circle_check  Keep digital backups of appraisals, condition reports, and invoices

circle_check  Assign priority levels to artworks for evacuation or triage

circle_check  Create an emergency contact list: conservator, broker, art handler, storage facility

circle_check Test emergency plans annually with your household and professional team

Get in touch to discuss how we can help you protect your collection. Message us at FineArtAdvice@risk-strategies.com or fill out the form below.

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