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

Wet Natural History Collections

• Keep labels with specimens. Use cloth tape, string, or tray to secure.
• Wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) when handling specimens. The following could be present:
  • Asbestos and radioactive material
  • Pesticides like DDT or arsenic
  • Mold
• Fluid collections may contain formaldehyde
• Specimens can corrode and deteriorate in water
• Herbarium specimens can detach from support
• Study skins can distort and gelatinize
• Request technical assistance as needed to determine if toxins are present, and to what extent. Personal Protection Equipment (such as gloves, eye and respiratory protection) should provide sufficient protection in relation to the toxin(s) that are present..

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• Handle with care. Drain any water.
• When moving, use screens, polyester webbing or other material as needed to fully support the object.
  • Mineral, fossils, and bone:
    • Retain labels
    • Air-dry in cabinets or drawers to reduce handling
    • Do not freeze
  • Herbarium:
    • Avoid handling. Treat like paper.
    • If mold is present, freeze. Interleave between sheets of coated paper, enclose in inert bags, and freeze in stacks
  • Skins:
    • Avoid direct handling.
    • Controlled air-dry in storage trays is preferred.
    • Use desiccant (e.g. silica gel) when drying large quantities.
    • If mold is present, freeze.
  • Taxidermy:
    • Air-dry immediately.
    • Reinforce sutures by wrapping with a gauze bandage.
    • Do not freeze.

Air Drying Procedures

• Consult an archeological conservator for specific guidelines on natural history collection items.