Following closely on the heels of the Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing releasing its 2025 Delivery Recommendations for Recorded Music Projects, the organisation has released a new resource designed to help recording professionals prepare for natural disasters, unforeseen emergencies and business interruptions – Studio Emergency Preparation Recommendations.
The guide provides essential protocols and actionable steps for studio owners, engineers and music creators working in commercial or home-based recording environments.
The idea for this new resource was proposed by mastering engineer Anna Frick, who was forced to evacuate her studio during the 2021 Colorado wildfires. Her experience highlighted the critical need for a unified and practical tool for the recording community – one that could help protect lives, gear, data and livelihoods in moments of crisis.
‘Our hope is that no one ever has to put this document to use because of a disaster,’ says Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing Vice President, Maureen Droney. ‘But, in a world increasingly impacted by natural disasters and unpredictable hazards, being prepared can make all the difference. This guide empowers our community to take proactive steps to safeguard their creative spaces and maintain business continuity during the most challenging times.’
‘In the moment, when you’re facing the threat of losing everything, it’s extremely difficult to think clearly or know what to prioritise,’ Frick says. ‘Having a plan, and knowing you’ve already done the hard thinking, can make all the difference. I hope this guide gives peace of mind to our community and helps them protect not just their gear, but their creative future.’
The Studio Emergency Preparation Recommendations document includes a detailed Quick Reference Guide Worksheet for capturing essential studio and emergency information, a one-sheet tip list for improving everyday safety, and comprehensive instructions on risk assessment, hazard-specific planning and insurance considerations. It also offers studio-focused strategies for business continuity, emergency communication and remote work. Drawing on FEMA guidelines, insurance experts and real-world experiences from working studio professionals, the guide provides practical insights to help reduce downtime and avoid unnecessary losses. Additional resources include information on US post-disaster assistance programmes such as MusiCares, FEMA aid and SBA disaster relief loans.
‘This document is not just about protecting equipment, it’s about preserving your ability to create, collaborate and sustain your business in the face of adversity,’ Droney says. ‘We encourage everyone in the recording and music community to review it, customise it for your environment and revisit it regularly. We also are sincerely grateful to all who contributed their time, expertise and insight to the development of this document.
‘A special thanks goes to Anna Frick for initiating and co-authoring the recommendations with Candice Yang; to Mickey Ellenwood at FEMA, Tracy Wronoski at The Recording Studio Insurance Program and Jessica Boswell at Marsh for their expert guidance; and to studio professionals Tina Morris, Curtis Daniel III, Zoe Thrall, Lynne Earls, Michael Grace, Lewis Robertson, and Nick Autry for their valuable feedback throughout the process.’
The Studio Emergency Preparation Recommendations guide is available as a free download via the Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing webpage.
More: www.recordingacademy.com/producers-engineers-wing/technical-guidelines