As extreme weather events become more frequent and destructive, one often overlooked casualty is our photographic history. Every photograph — whether taken by a professional photojournalist or a proud grandparent — carries with it a piece of memory, a slice of time that cannot be recreated. And yet, countless archives remain vulnerable to floods, fires, and storms.

In October 2024, Tampa-based photojournalist Christopher Morris found himself racing against time as Hurricane Milton approached. “For days, he lifted folders of photographs onto 10-foot-high shelves inside his home while also rolling metal filing cabinets into a U-Haul in his driveway — to keep his archive above the storm surges. His life’s work — hundreds of thousands of photographs, negatives and digital files taken over decades — hung in the balance.” (Source: Washington Post)

Fortunately, Morris’s home was spared. But his scramble highlights a growing risk facing archives large and small. Institutions like the Library of Congress work tirelessly to preserve historical photography, yet resources are limited, and private collections often fall through the cracks.

The good news is that individuals can take proactive steps to protect their own archives:

• Digitize Originals: Scan photographs, negatives, and documents to create digital backups stored in multiple locations (such as external drives and cloud storage).
• Invest in Safe Storage: Store physical materials in waterproof, fireproof containers (such as this one) and keep them off the ground where possible.
• Plan for Emergencies: Include your photographic archive in your home emergency plan. If evacuation is necessary, know in advance which items to prioritize.
• Share and Duplicate: Make copies of important digital files and share them with trusted family members or friends.
• Support Preservation Efforts: If you own a historically significant collection, consider working with a museum, archive, or historical society to ensure its long-term care.

Protecting our visual history isn’t just about preserving artifacts; it’s about preserving identity, memory, and connection — for ourselves and for generations to come.