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