Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Items on Exhibit
• Items with Coated Papers
• Items with Soluble Inks and Colorants
• Books and Bound Materials
• Manuscripts
• Art on Paper
• Items Housed in Plastic Enclosures
• Photographic Materials
• Microform
• Audio/Visual Recordings
• Paintings and other Framed or Glazed Art
• Metals
• Glass/Ceramics
• Wood
• Textiles
• Wet Natural History Collections

Glass/Ceramics

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• Glass and ceramic items are generally stable. Handling with appropriate care, drain and carry, fully supported underneath.
• Lower-fired ceramic objects like archaeological ceramics with soluble salts are very vulnerable and can disintegrate when wet. Some reconstructed vessels’ joins could fail.

Freezing Procedures

• Do not freeze glass/ceramic items.

Air Drying Procedures

• Handle with appropriate care at all times.
• Rinse off any debris or mud with clean water.
• Blot smooth surfaces with a non-abrasive, absorbent material and air dry.
• Protect any broken edges of objects; be extremely careful not to cut yourself when handling objects with broken edges.
• Avoid blotting rough or textured surfaces to prevent snagging. Air dry only.
• Make sure objects are thoroughly dry inside and out before packing.
• If item is broken/cracked or has mineral deposits and/or salts on the surface, seal it in plastic bag until it can be treated.
• Retain fragments of broken objects together in a sealed and labeled plastic bag.