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Disaster Response 101:Recovering water-damaged collections
A brief overview of Cause, Response, and Preparation
May Day 2010
CauseWater is the most
common cause of damage to library materials. Sources can range from roof leaks, burst pipes, fire suppression, and flooding.
Response
Rapid response is essential for an effective recovery effort.
Effects of water damage Paper-based collections begin to distort
physically immediately after becoming wet. Books swell; paper cockles; inks and pigments run; coated papers begin to adhere to one another.
Effects of Water Damage In addition, there is a risk of a mold outbreak. Once established, mold is extremely difficult to control and
eradicate.
First stepsIn the event of a water-related
emergency :
Remove standing water Assess/survey damageFreeze or air dry wet materialsIdentify shelf location when removing
items
For transport, place wet books separated by freezer paper spine down in uncovered plastic crates - so not to tear out covers when wet.
Prevention
If leaks from above are detected, place plastic sheeting over affected stack areas.
Stages of Wetness
SoakedPartially wet or dampHumid
Drying Methods Freezing Stabilizing to prevent mold growth & provide time to determine a
course of action *Freezer located in Book Conservation Lab, Pennsy
Air drying Interleaving blotters between pages or fanning open with circulating
air
Dehumidification Maintaining an environment 30-50% relative humidity
Care should be taken when handling wet materials as paper becomes extremely fragile and can suffer further damage
Very wet or soaked materialsFreeze within 6-8 hours - in particular,
books with coated paper text blocks and vellum bindings
•Store and separate items with freezer paper
•Do not try to open books or separate pages!
Partially wet/Damp materialsAir dry
Air DryingKeep air moving!
Partially wet/Damp materialsIf coated papers are separable, interleave
with silicone release paper or remay.Oversize books must lie flat—interleave pages
with blotter. Change blotter often, as needed.
Materials affected by high humidityRelocate affected collections to a more
stable environmentInstall dehumidifiers in collections area
Stable environmental conditions:
55-70 degrees (F)30%-50% relative
humidity
PreparationAssign responders to emergenciesPrioritize collections :
Value Essential records
StabilityIdentify supplies contained in your
disaster response kits
Disaster Response Kits
Disaster Response Kits contain:Paper towelsSpongesPacking tapeElectrical cordsPlastic apronPolyethylene
glovesPencils/notepadsBlotter4ml Plastic
sheeting
• Heavy duty trash bags• Plastic wrap• Gusseted polyethylene bags• Ziplock bags• Dustmask• Scissors
Evaluate RiskKnow the materials in your collections
Understand the risk factors
Be prepared!
ContactsFor more information or in an emergency:
Preservation Services Department Pennsy Drive
Vanessa Smith 301-238-2089Phuong Pham 301-238-2091
Resources Disaster preparedness and response –American Institute for Conservationhttp://www.conservationus.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=596 Mid-Atlantic Resource Guide for Disaster Preparednesshttp://www.ccaha.org/publications/technical-bulletins Emergency Planning – National Park Servicehttp://www.nps.gov/history/museum/publications/primer/primintro.html Preservation Leaflets: Emergency Managementhttp://nedcc.org/resources/leaflets/3Emergency_Management/06SalvageWetBooks.php Smithsonian Institution Staff Disaster Preparedness Procedureshttp://www.archives.gov/preservation/emergency-prep/disaster-prep-procedures.html
ContributorsVanessa Smith, Preservation ServicesPhuong Pham, Preservation ServicesSharon Layne, Preservation ServicesAndra Risch, VolunteerJames Cullen, Volunteer