QUICK RESPONSE IS KEY
When it comes to salvaging photographs that have been damaged by water, sooner is always better. Mold and mildew will start to form on damp records within 48 hours. The best way to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew is to reduce humidity. Increase air flow with fans, open windows, use air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Moderate light exposure (such as open shades, or leaving the basement lights on) can also reduce mold and mildew.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND NEGATIVES
Do not attempt to pull apart photographs or negatives that have stuck together.
Soak them in clean water until they separate on their own. Rinsing and drying can
take quite a while. Newer photographs can be temporarily stored in a bucket of cold
clean water until you have time to work with them. Keeping them wet prevents
mildew growth because mildew can only grow on damp material, not wet. Freezing
is another option for temporary storage, but should not be used with photographs
that are over 50 years old. For older photographs, electronic restoration is your best
option.
Rinse them in more clean water as you go. Be careful not touch the emulstion
(image) side of the print while it’s wet. There are two acceptable drying methods:
spread out face up on a clean, dry, smooth surface or hanging on indoor lines with
clothespins. The first method requires more space, but is gentler to your photos.
COMPUTER DISKS AND TAPES
Disks should be rinsed in clear water, placed in a plastic bag and put in your
refrigerator. The next step is to take it to a professional drying center and have the
data transferred to a new disk or tape. You can call the Disaster Recovery Institute
toll free at 888-374-7845. Companies that are members of the institute specialize
in restoring computers and computer records after a disaster.
MORE FREE INFORMATION AVAILABLE BY PHONE & INTERNET
The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) has an entire section
devoted to Disaster Assistance. http://www.nedcc.org/welcome/disaster.htm. You
can also call their emergency phone line day or night, seven days a week.
(978) 470-1010. This service is free.
Conservation Online (CoOL) http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/bytopic/disasters/ is
packed with free information. The link above will take you directly to the section on
disaster recovery. CoOL’s main site has articles on just about every aspect of
conservation and preservation.
DIGITAL RESTORATION
Many independent camera stores contract with experts to restore damaged
photographs digitally. Rates vary based on the extent of damage and how much
work is required. Call your local camera shop or Jacobs Archival Services for more
information.
And remember — digital copies can serve as an excellent emergency backup. Just
be sure to keep a set in a different location than your house. A safe deposit box or
office works well. You can also send disks as gifts to family and friends around the
country. That way, everybody wins!
Sally J. Jacobs has a Master’s degree in Library & Information Science with a
specialization in Archives Management. She has worked on collections at the Library
of Congress, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and the University of Wisconsin. Her
FREE monthly Ask the Archivist eZine includes tips on how to
organize, preserve, and enjoy
your cherished photographs, letters, quilts, and wedding gowns. It will even help you
with your “born digital” photos! Signup is quick and easy online:
http://www.jacobsarchival.com. Stop by the website and pick up some free preservation information. Your great-granddaughter will
be glad you did.
Don’t Let Your History Disappear!
Tags: archive, damaged, Digital, flood, history, hurricane, Photos, preserve, salvage, save, stuck, wet