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, Ceramic, Wood, Textiles, or Animal/Plant Materials

Metals, Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Textiles, or Animal/Plant Material

Metals   -   Glass/Ceramics   -   Wood   -   Textiles, including objects with textile-lined interiors   -   Animal/Plant Materials

Metals

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• Wear thin plastic gloves.
• Dry immediately.
• Drain and carry fully supported underneath.

Freezing Procedures

• Do not freeze metal items.

Air Drying Procedures

• For items with a stable finish (paint, coating, enamel, etc.):
  • Immediately rinse or sponge off any debris.
  • Blot with a clean absorbent material and air-dry quickly to avoid rusting.
• For items with a damaged finish:
  • Do not blot. To avoid disturbing the surface any further, air dry only.

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Glass/Ceramics

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• Glass and ceramic items are generally stable. Drain and carry fully supported underneath.

Freezing Procedures

• Do not freeze glass/ceramic items.

Air Drying Procedures

• Rinse off any debris.
• Blot smooth surfaces with absorbent material and air dry.
• Do not blot rough surfaces; air dry only.
• If item is broken/cracked or has mineral salts on surface, seal it in plastic bag until it can be treated.

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Wood

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• Dry immediately.
• Drain and carry fully supported underneath.

Freezing Procedures

• Do not freeze wood items.

Air Drying Procedures

• Air dry only.
• For bare wood or wooden items with a stable finish (paint, coating, veneer, etc.):
  • Immediately rinse or sponge off any debris.
  • Blot 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.

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Textiles, including objects with textile-lined interiors

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• Dry immediately.
• Drain and carry fully supported underneath, using screens or polyester webbing as needed.

Freezing Procedures

• Do not freeze textiles.

Air Drying Procedures

• Air dry only.
• For objects with textile-lined interiors:
  • Drain off excess water and treat the exterior as appropriate for that material; place a wad of absorbent material inside and replace damp wadding until the interior is dry.
• For textiles and costumes:
  • Gently blot textiles and air dry flat on an absorbent material. Do not unfold wet, delicate fabrics. Do not move heavy, wet fabrics without adequate support underneath.

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Animal/Plant Materials

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

• Dry immediately.
• Drain and carry fully supported underneath, using screens or polyester webbing as needed.

Freezing Procedures

• Do not freeze organic materials.

Air Drying Procedures

• Air dry only.
• Drain off excess water and treat the exterior; place a wad of absorbent material inside and replace damp wadding until the interior is dry.
• Consult the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) for specific guidelines on animal/plant items.

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