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Hurricane Records Recovery InformationFollowing a water disaster, large or small, it is possible to salvage most wet documents, books, and photographs. After the water recedes, high temperature will cause mold to begin to grow on wet paper within 48 hours or less. The sooner drying can begin the better. Loss of power makes it more difficult, but if records cannot be air-dried due to the amount of material involved or due to the lack of facilities, freezing will stop mold growth and buy you time to deal with the situation at a later date. Wrap individual books so they will be easier to thaw. Wrap groups of documents and groups of photographs rather than trying to separate them. A disaster the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina will bring disaster recovery vendors into the area as soon as the water recedes. In addition to performing vacuum or vacuum freeze drying for businesses and government agencies, they do work for private citizens. For information on salvage and drying paper, see the following. For additional information, contact the Archives' Government Records Division at 334 242-4452. "Air-Drying Wet Records Volumes or Other Books""Surviving Your Next Hurricane: How to Protect and Salvage Vital Records" Ask the Archivist: "Where can I obtain quick access to emergency response and salvage information?" Emergency Recovery Assistance and Resources from the Northeast Document Conservation Center Before and After Disasters: A Guide to Federal Funding for Cultural Institutions Heritage Preservation's Hurricane Resource Page
Hurricane Grant Opportunities Listed Conservation Assessment Program Dos and Don'ts About Personal Safety and Entering the Home After a Flood
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