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

Wood

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• Recover during initial 24-48 hour period after the disaster.
• Wood is porous. As it takes in and releases moisture, it expands and contracts.
• Hide glues or fish glues are often used to join wood surfaces. These glues soften when wet, so joins may separate.
• When carrying, provide support.
• Drain and dry immediately.

Freezing Procedures and Salvage Priorities

• Do not freeze wooden objects.
• Triage priorities:
  • Objects with composite construction.
  • Objects with veneer, marquetry, and inlaid surfaces.

Air Drying Procedures

• For bare wood or wooden items with a stable finish (paint, coating, veneer, etc.):
  • Immediately rinse or sponge off any debris with clean water.
  • Blot (don’t wipe) with a clean absorbent material and immediately air-dry.
• For items with a damaged finish:
  • Do not blot. To avoid disturbing the surface any further, air dry only.
• Air-dry slowly. Cover with polyethylene sheeting to slow drying, if needed.
• Wood is prone to warping and cracking as it dries.
• Drawers and doors may stick. Open them during drying to circulate air.
• Backs can be removed to facilitate drying.
• Freeze upholstered fabrics removed from objects.