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SOURCE: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration GOES-8 Color Enhanced IR September 5, 1996 23:45 UTC

Disaster Recovery Information

Salvaging Water-Damaged Documents and Heirlooms . . .

1. Wear plastic or rubber gloves for your own protection. If an item is still wet, rinse with clear, clean water. If possible, use a fine hose spray. Clean off dry silt, dirt and debris from belongings with soft brushes. Try not to grind debris into items; overly energetic cleaning can cause scratching and other damage. Dry with a clean, soft cloth.

2. Air-dry items indoors, if possible. Outside conditions may dry some materials too quickly, causing splits, warpage, and buckling. Daylight and heat are particularly damaging to paperbased materials.

3. The best way to minimize mold growth is to reduce relative humidity. Increase airflow using fans, open windows, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. If possible, remove contents from wet objects and furniture prior to drying. Do not store items in sealed plastic bags -- this will cause mold to develop. If items are to be transported in plastic bags, keep bags open and air circulating.

4. Remove heavy deposits of mold growth from walls, baseboards, floors and other household surfaces with commercially available disinfectants. Do not use these products on historic wallpaper or other items of enduring value.

5. If objects are broken or falling apart, place broken pieces, bits of veneer, and detached parts in clearly labeled, open containers. Do not attempt to repair items until completely dry. Do not attempt to repair important materials without first consulting with a conservator.

6. Documents, books, photographs, and works of art on paper may be extremely fragile when wet; use caution when handling. Free the edges of prints and paper objects in mats and frames, if possible. Air-dry these items. Rinse mud off wet photographs with clear water, but do not touch surfaces. Wet books and papers can be air dried or kept in a refrigerator or freezer until they can be treated by a professional conservator.

7. Textiles and leathers are severely affected by exposure to water and should be allowed to air-dry. Support shaped objects, such as garments or baskets by gently padding with toweling or un-inked, un-coated paper. Renew padding when it becomes saturated with water. Dry clean or launder textiles and carpets as needed.

8. Remove wet paintings from the frame, but not the stretcher. Air-dry, face up, away from direct light.

9. Furniture finishes and painting surfaces may develop a white haze or bloom from contact with water and high relative humidity. These problems do not require immediate attention; consult a professional conservator for treatment.

10. Rinse metal objects exposed to flood waters, mud, or silt with clear water and dry immediately with a clean soft cloth. Allow heavy mud deposits on large metal objects, such as sculpture, to dry. Caked mud may be removed at a later date. Consult a professional conservator for further treatment.

For assistance with State and local records, contact:

Archives and Records Section
4614 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4614
Phone: (919) 733-3952
Fax: (919) 733-1354