Disaster Risk Assessment Methods and Response Plans for Cultural Heritage in Taiwan

Abstract

Precaution and preparation, as established in emergency plans, are the most effective means of disaster mitigation and heritage protection. Emergency plans should include evaluation of cultural heritage assets, including buildings, both contents and structures, as well as surroundings and landscapes. These frameworks are based on common experience and reflect viewpoints shared worldwide. However, due to regulations imposed in Taiwan, it is difficult to achieve the goal of preserving cultural and historical heritages.This project analyzes the fire risk assessment of historical architectures and develops a new fire risk assessment method, as well as improved protection recommendations for Lukang Lung–shan Temple, an important national heritage property in Taiwan. The survey techniques and assessment procedures used in this case study can also be modified and applied to all heritage buildings. This enables heritage property managers and supporting organizations to construct fire emergency preparation and damage control plans suitable to a specific case.