The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) received an emergency call on August 30th, 1992, from the Billings Estate Museum in Ottawa. Conservators quickly responded, prepared, and set to work with the museum staff, once they were allowed inside by the Fire Marshal. The fire department knew to use as little water as possible, thus reducing water damage, but there was considerable damage from soot. Much in-situ cleaning was done. Where this was not possible due to extreme fragility, or complex problems, the books, furniture, ceramics and pictures were taken to CCI for treatment. CCI has responded in the past to many other emergencies including floods, fires and gas explosions. Advice or service is free of charge to permanent cultural collections within Canada. This article describes how to call for emergency help, with the information that will be required at that time. CCI advises on disaster preparedness programs. There is an existing CCI Note on the subject which it intends to expand to include further topics. A seminar, given at the request of provincial or territorial museums associations, is offered on the subject.