Water Resources

Image of water.

Salvaging Water-Damaged Items

If your home or institution has been impacted by flooding, the resources below can help support safe handling and recovery of your objects and collections. It is important to remember that water-damaged objects may be affected by mold and other pollutants, which can be toxic. It is best to start with our Health and Safety video.

For further assistance:

Institutions may contact our National Heritage Responders 24/7 hotline at 202.661.8068 to speak with a conservator or collections specialist.

Individuals may reach us at NHRPublicHelpline@culturalheritage.org.

Not urgent? Contact us at emergencies@culturalheritage.org. 

Resources for the First 48 Hours

Go!

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Health and Safety

Video: Health and Safety Considerations for Wet Salvage (3:14)

Health and Safety for the Public Tip Sheet (PDF) Download

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Object Salvage

Video: Dealing with Water

Video: Dealing with Mud

Video: Salvage of Wet Framed Photographs (12:29)

Video: How to Salvage Wet Clothing (9:18)

Video: How to Salvage Wet Quilts (12:38)

Video: How to Salvage Taxidermy Mounts (11:13)

Salvaging Water-Damaged Textiles (PDF) Download

Saving Photographs After the Flood (PDF) Download

Tips for the Care of Water-Damaged Family Heirlooms (PDF) Download

Textile & Costume Water Recovery Tip Sheet (PDF) Download

Removing Large Paper Items from Drawers Tip Sheet (PDF) Download

Drying Wet Collections and Buildings (PDF) Download

Initial Response & Recovery for Historic Structures (PDF) Download

HENTF Save Your Family Treasures (Web) Link

Image of books with mold.

Mold

Video: Dealing with Mold

Mold Tip Sheet (PDF) Download

Quick Links

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