University of Wisconsin-Extension
Valuable
papers and records should be given maximum protection from
any disaster. Water- and fire-resistant file cabinets are
available for storing some records at home. A commercial storage
area, such as a safe-deposit box, will assure protection from
theft and physical damage.
Consider
making copies of your valuable papers for selected professionals,
family members or friends, to assure their prompt availability
when needed. Lists of all such documents and the location
of each should be stored in more than one place.
If
important documents or books have been damaged by floodwater,
follow the instructions outlined here for drying. However,
it is a good idea to photocopy any important papers as a precautionary
measure. Even if papers appear to have dried successfully,
they may disintegrate rapidly because of substances in the
floodwater.
An inventory
of household items and other property is especially valuable
in case of a disaster. When making the inventory, do not overlook
items kept in cabinets, closets, the freezer, garage and yard.
Consider making a video of your inventory and property; at
minimum, take some photographs. An accurate inventory will
help determine if you have enough insurance to cover the contents
of your home. Whenever possible, record the date of purchase
and purchase price of i ems. Keep the inventory current.
Keep
the following papers stored at home in a water-proof, fire-proof,
locked box:
- Family
advisors' names and addresses
- Educational,
employment and health records
- Copies
of birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies
- Driver
license numbers, income tax returns, current bank balances,
loan payment books
- Guarantees
and warranties, appliance manuals, rental property records
- Household
inventory, safe-deposit records, one copy of a list of valuable
papers and their locations
Keep
the following papers stored in a safe-deposit box, especially
during a disaster:
- Property
records, deeds, titles and/or leases
- Copies
of wills (his and hers); birth, death and marriage certificates;
divorce decrees; adoption or custody papers; citizenship
papers; passports; military service records
- Stocks
records, bond certificates, contracts (including promissory
notes), supporting documents of years of large transactions,
unusual losses or deductions
- List
of insurance policies, automobile bills of sale and titles,
social security cards
- Government
savings bonds, religious records, retirement papers, copyrights
and patents
- Household
inventory, one copy of a list of valuable papers and their
locations
Dry papers
and books slowly for best results. Photocopy valuable papers
as a precautionary measure because flood-damage may cause
rapid deterioration. If you don't have the time to clean and
dry them immediately, consider putting them in the freezer
to prevent mildewing. Place wax paper between layers of paper
bundles or books so they can be separated easily when removed.
- Wipe
book covers with a solution of one part rubbing or denatured
alcohol and one part water.
- Place
books on end with leaves separated. When partially dry,
pile and press books to keep pages from crumpling. Alternate
drying and pressing until books are thoroughly dry. This
helps prevent mildew. Use a fan to hasten drying.
- If
papers and books are very damp, sprinkle pages with corn
starch or talcum powder to absorb moisture. Leave powder
for several hours, then brush it off.
- For
valuable books that are nearly dry, consider pressing the
pages with an electric iron set on low. This is a tedious
process, but may be worth the effort. Separate the pages
to prevent musty odors.
- Some
chemicals help stop mold growth. Contact your county Extension
office for recommendations on use.
- When
books are thoroughly dry, close them and use C-clamps to
help them retain their shape. Wipe vinyl and leather book
covers with a light coating of petroleum jelly or leather
or vinyl dressing.
Additional resources:
Your county family living agent
Related publications:
"Repairing Your Flooded Home," the American Red Cross/Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1992
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
|