[can-talk] Help for collections damaged by fire or flood

Help for collections damaged by fire or flood
Many people affected by flood and fire in Victoria, NSW and Queensland may 
be looking for advice on how to salvage their family heirlooms in the 
coming weeks.

While many things will be permanently damaged or lost entirely, it may be 
possible to salvage surviving family photographs, documents, books, 
jewellery, medals, pictures and other keepsakes.

Links to online resources about salvaging fire and flood-damaged material 
can be accessed via the front page of the AICCM website 
(www.aiccm.org.au). 

If you know of someone who is looking for assistance in such matters, 
please direct them to this website or suggest that they call a State or 
National cultural organisation, and ask to speak to someone in the 
Conservation Department. 

Private and consultant conservators can be located via the AICCM's 
Directory of Members in Private Practice - go to www.aiccm.org.au and 
follow the link to "Find a Conservator".

Health and safety should remain everyone's top priority:
Anyone attempting to salvage their possessions should wear protective 
clothing - especially gloves, masks and eye protection. 
Never attempt to salvage belongings at the expense of your own safety. 
Avoid breathing in or touching hazardous materials.
Risks in fire-damaged areas can include particulates, exposed asbestos, 
lead-containing building materials and chemical residues. Some objects 
themselves can pose health hazards when damaged - e.g. lead-containing 
glass, lead paint, objects treated with pesticides etc. If water has been 
used to put out the fire, mould may also be an issue.
Risks in flood-affected areas include mould, bacteria, disease pathogens 
and exposure to waste matter and effluents carried with flood waters.

General handling advice:
Minimise handling of damaged material - handling surfaces can drive soot 
and other particulates further into fabrics and other porous materials and 
make them impossible to remove.
Avoid handling objects by damaged or weakened areas - e.g support ceramics 
from the base, rather than lifting by handles.
Avoid placing pressure on blistered or lifting surfaces - e.g. on 
paintings and photographs.
Place items in supportive boxes or plastic containers until you can obtain 
further advice.
Keep dirty, wet or fire-damaged items separate from cleaner/drier items to 
prevent contamination.
Place wet items in areas with good air circulation to aid drying and to 
help prevent mould growth.

The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials 
(AICCM) is the professional organisation for conservators in Australia.

www.aiccm.org.au
secretariat at aiccm.org.au
(03) 9013 0933 
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