The National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Property (NIC) is
monitoring the extensive flooding in California and its possible effect on
cultural institutions.  The listing below was prepared by NIC and the
American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and offers ten tips for homeowners
on how to treat water-damaged objects.  This information was initially
distributed to the Midwest during the massive flooding there in summer 1993.
 
Thank you in advance for your help.  I can be reached at (202) 625-1495
should you have any questions.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Ketchum
NIC Emergency Response Coordinator
 
 
11 January 1995
 
Washington, D.C.-The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and
Artistic Works (AIC) and the National Institute for the Conservation of
Cultural Property (NIC) have joined forces to provide information and advice
on disaster response and recovery to those affected by severe flooding in the
California.
 
The following general recommendations are intended to provide homeowners with
practical guidance in the recovery of their water-damaged belongings. These
recommendations are intended as guidance only and neither AIC or NIC assume
responsibility or liability for treatment of water-damaged objects.
 
Ten Tips for the Homeowner:
 
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, warpage, 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.
 
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 severly
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.
 
As noted above, these guidelines are general in nature. It is strongly
recommended that professional conservators be consulted as to the appropriate
method of treatment for household objects. Professional conservators may be
contacted through the FREE Conservation Services Referral System of the
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC),
1717 K Street, NW Suite 301, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 452-9545, fax: (202)
452-9328. Based on a complete description of the artifact, a
computer-generated list of conservators will be compiled and grouped
geographically, by specialization and by type of service provided. A
brochure, enclosed with the listing, will explain the referral system,
provide information on how to select a conservator, and outline general
business procedures.
 
"What Is Conservation?" (fact sheet), Guidelines for Selecting a Conservator
(brochure), Caring for Your Treasures: Books to Help You (bibliography), and
Caring for Special Objects (brochure) are also available from AIC. "Emergency
Preparedness and Response: Federal Aid for Cultural Institutions During an
Emergency" (brochure) is available from NIC, 3299 K Street, NW, Suite 602,
Washington, D.C. 20007; (202) 625-1495, fax: (202) 625-1485, e-mail:
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We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, The Getty Conservation Institute, the American Association of
Museums, the American Library Association, the Institute of Museum Services,
the National Park Service and the Society of American Archivists. For more
information, contact the AIC or NIC.