Essential Records Information
In 36 CFR 1223, Essential Records are defined as “[R]ecords an agency needs to meet operational responsibilities under national security emergencies or other emergency conditions (emergency operating records) or to protect the legal and financial rights of the Government and those affected by Government activities (legal and financial rights records)." The National Archives and Records Administration has many resources available for information about Essential Records and records recovery after a disaster or an emergency event. Below are links to some of the most important resources:
- Download NARA's Essential Records Guide
- NARA Points of Contact for Records Emergencies
- Emergency Disposal of Contaminated Federal Records
- Reporting Unauthorized Disposal of Federal Records
- Information on Contracting Records Recovery Services
- FEMA's Federal Continuity Directive #1 (FCD1) Annex F, Essential Records Management
