Emergency measures

First steps in case of water damage

Small, localised water damage

• Take objects from the moist area into a dry, cool room.
• Provide good ventilation: open windows, if necessary set up ventilators.
• Open up books and let them dry standing up.
• Set single pages and photos out to dry on blotting paper or clean paper.
• If possible separate photos and art print paper (coated paper) and set up to dry singly. Gelatine photographs and art print paper can become stuck from the effects of humidity.
• Open books with art print paper and dry the single pages with an electric hairdryer or insert isolating foil.
• Objects that cannot be dried within 48 hours must be frozen.

Major water damage

• Remove objects from the danger area into a dry, cool room.
• Separate slightly moist objects from wet ones. Moist objects can be dried in the air.
• Wet objects that cannot be dried within 48 hours must be frozen to avoid growth of mould.
• Books, single leaves, and photographs are to be packed in freezing bags or plastic foil and frozen.
• Packed objects are to be transported in plastic boxes. The weight of wet objects, especially books, is greatly increased. Do not place too many objects on each other.
• Keep the temperature cool and provide for good ventilation to prevent growth of mould.
• When there is a growth of mould store the effected objects separately. When handling these, wear gloves and masks.
• For further care of damaged objects it is necessary to obtain help from conservators.