Establish post-disaster preservation response protocols. Historic buildings are highly vulnerable after disasters, when emergency response, safety concerns, and poor coordination can lead to unnecessary demolition. Franklin should establish clear post disaster protocols that prioritize rapid assessment, temporary stabilization, and coordinated evaluations by Fire, Building & Neighborhood Services, and preservation staff. Establishing these protocols in advance can help ensure that salvageable historic resources are not lost prematurely and that recovery efforts support both public safety and preservation goals. Conduct outreach and training on disaster preparedness for historic resources. Working with preservation groups, emergency staff, and contractors can strengthen Franklin’s disaster response capacity. Ongoing training could improve recovery efforts for historic buildings and increase awareness of preservation sensitive repair methods. These efforts also help ensure a pool of qualified contractors is available after disaster events. GOAL 2 Reduce fire risk to historic resources through proactive building safety and risk mitigation. RECOMMENDATIONS: Integrate fire protection and lifesafety systems into preservation practice. Fire protection systems—such as sprinklers, alarms, and detection technology—are the most effective way to safeguard historic buildings. Franklin should encourage discreet installations, provide clear guidance on code compliant alternatives, and consider incentives or technical assistance to help owners overcome the challenges and costs of retrofitting older structures. Address high-risk conditions during rehabilitation and construction. Historic buildings are especially vulnerable to fire during rehabilitation because materials are exposed and construction activity increases risk. Strengthened regulations should address construction phase hazards through measures like hot work permits, on site fire watches, and temporary fire protection or water supply systems. Better coordination among contractors, inspectors, and fire officials will help ensure these safety practices are consistently followed. THEME: DISASTER MITIGATION 165
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