A perfect disaster plan does not exist. Several factors are uncontrollable. Out of all factors influencing the chances of a disaster two are highlighted: personnel and the museum as an organization. The author foresees an increasing role for the use of technical equipment for monitoring and detection purposes. An unvigilant guard cannot cope with an active detector. It is the response that matters. There is a problem in the dull type of work of a museum guard, the educational level required and the character features an ideal guard should have. Guards should have more an differentiated responsibilities, whereas the dull detection task will have to be trusted more onto technical means. The position of the security management in organization of a museum should be re- evaluated: the interests of various disciplines have to be brought into balance again, with more weight for security. Safety and security of a million visitors a year in the Rijksmuseum and a priceless collection are at least as important as art historical justification and aesthetical considerations. The responsibilities of employees in the disaster plan are well defined and the instructions are as concise as possible: a small card mentions the relevant telephone numbers. A control room handles the reports and takes responsibility. In disaster planning Security must play a part equal to the other interests of the museum. In case of a disaster all forces should join in fighting it.