For more than two decades the necessity to have a well documented, strategic plan to deal with a disaster has been recognised by the archive profession. In the mid 1980’s there was an abundance of literature on the preparation of disaster control plans, much of which still provides excellent advice today. Most of this advice however centers on preparation and recovery from a disastrous occurrence that only affects the holdings or part of the holdings of the Archive and assumes that facilities, materials and personnel will be readily available to undertake recovery work. In the past few years, be it due to climatic changes or coincidence, there have been a number of disasters that not only effected an institution but also a whole region or, as in the case of island communities, a whole nation. This proposal is for a full day programme on Disasters and Disaster Mitigation, primarily at a regional or national level for small communities. It would consist of three distinct sessions comprising Disaster case-studies; The Aftermath of a Disaster; Contingency Planning prior to a Disaster. Initially 3 short case-studies, on differing types of disasters, would be presented from members of CARBICA, EASTICA AND PARBICA. The second session would have two speakers, the first dealing with the psychological stress staff operates under when a regional disaster has resulted in loss of homes, transport, utilities etc. – a subject much under-rated. The second speaker, from an internationally renowned recovery company would speak on the assistance outside companies can offer. The third session on contingency planning would have presentations on the Blue Shield Programme, building design for small archival repositories in disaster prone areas, and an overview of hazard management. The day’s programme would conclude with a question and answer panel session on disaster control plans.