Tips for Salvaging
Water Damaged Valuables
10 Tips Find A Conservator FEMA/Task Force Resources
photos courtesy Upper Midwest Conservation Association
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) and Heritage Preservation offer general recommendations for homeowners who have had family heirlooms and other valuables damaged by flooding. These recommendations are intended as guidance only. Neither AIC, FEMA nor Heritage Preservation assume responsibility or liability for treatment of damaged objects.
Ten Tips for Homeowners on the Care of Water-Damaged Family Heirlooms and Other Valuables
1. If the object is still wet, rinse with clear water or a fine hose spray. Clean off dry silt and debris from your belongings with soft brushes or dab with damp cloths. Try not to grind debris into objects; overly energetic cleaning will cause scratching. Dry with a clean, soft cloth. Use plastic or rubber gloves for your own protection.
2. Air dry objects indoors if possible. Sunlight and heat may dry certain materials too quickly, causing splits, warping, and buckling. If possible, remove contents from wet objects and furniture prior to drying. Storing damp items in sealed plastic bags will cause mold to develop. If objects are to be transported in plastic bags, keep bags open and air circulating.
3. The best way to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew is to reduce humidity. Increase air flow with fans, open windows, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Moderate light exposure (open shades, leave basement lights on) can also reduce mold and mildew.
4. Remove heavy deposits of mold growth from walls, baseboards, floors, and other household surfaces with commercially available disinfectants. Avoid the use of disinfectants on historic wallpapers. Follow manufacturers' instructions, but avoid splattering or contact with objects and wallpapers as disinfectants may damage objects. Note: Exposure to molds can have serious health consequences such as respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, and infections. The use of protective gear, including a respirator with a particulate filter, disposable plastic gloves, goggles or protective eyewear, and coveralls or a lab coat, is therefore essential.
5. If objects are broken or begin to fall apart, place all broken pieces, bits of veneer, and detached parts in clearly labeled, open containers. Do not attempt to repair objects until completely dry or, in the case of important materials, until you have consulted with a professional 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. These should be allowed to air dry. Rinse mud off wet photographs with clear water, but do not touch surfaces. Sodden books and papers should also be air dried or kept in a refrigerator or freezer until they can be treated by a professional conservator.
7. Textiles, leather, and other "organic" materials will also be severely affected by exposure to water and should be allowed to air dry. Shaped objects, such as garments or baskets, should be supported by gently padding with toweling or uninked, uncoated paper. Renew padding when it becomes saturated with water. Dry clean or launder textiles and carpets as you normally would.
8. Remove wet paintings from the frame, but not the stretcher. Air dry, face up, away from direct sunlight.
9. Furniture finishes and painting surfaces may develop a white haze or bloom from contact with water and 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 can be removed later. Consult a professional conservator for further treatment.
Finding a Professional Conservator
Heritage Preservation and AIC strongly recommended that professional conservators be consulted as to the appropriate method of treatment for treasured objects.
A conservator is a professional whose primary occupation is the care, restoration and repair of objects, collections, specimens, structures or sites. Through specialized education, knowledge, training and experience, a conservator formulates and implements conservation activities, including examination, treatment, preventive care and documentation. Conservators specialize in object types, some of which are paper, photographs, furniture, architecture, ethnographic objects, and decorative arts. To locate a conservator, contact the:
Guide to Conservation Services
Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation
1717 K Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington DC 20006
(202) 452-9545
http://aic.stanford.eduAIC's Guide to Conservation Services is a free referral service that also provides the helpful brochure “Guidelines for Selecting a Conservator.”
Additional Resources from the Task Force and the Federal Emergency Management Agency