Disaster Prevention, Disaster Preparedness, and Disaster Recovery: Chapter 4

Disaster Recovery Resources

The following descriptive list itemizes and describes resources which might be useful in a disaster. Make arrangements with suppliers to have designated items made available quickly in case of an emergency. Know in advance how to obtain emergency funds for the designated items, and where bills should be sent. It is important that each library contract for any services and/or goods before they are needed. Finding sources for each of the items listed isnot an easy task. It requires considerable diligence and time to locate the particular business to supply the needed item.

Descriptive List of Disaster Recovery Supplies and Equipment

Drying Space
Adequate room is necessary to provide air circulation for drying materials. Several factors need to be considered in locating such space: the area needs to be secured to prevent damage or theft of the materials and the physical layout of the space need to be conducive to the servicing of the materials.

Deep Freeze Facilities
The most generally accepted and proven method of stabilizing water-damaged library materials is by freezing and storing the materials at a low temperature (-20 degrees F).

Vacuum or Freeze-Drying Facilities
Frozen material can be dried by using the Vacuum or Freeze-Drying process. The technique allows the water to pass from the frozen to the vapor phase without going through the liquid phase.

Refrigerator Trucks
These inhibit the development of mold in water-damaged materials while they are being moved.

Freezer or Wax Paper
Used to wrap water-damaged material in preparation for freezing.

Rolls of Plastic Sheeting
Useful for placing under, over, or around items to protect the materials.

Paper Towels
Used to help clean up and wipe up excess water.

Unprinted Newspaper
A useful and inexpensive blotter. It can also be used for interleaving and wrapping books. Do Not use printed newspaper.

Plastic Crates
These crates are similar to the types used by local dairies. They are extremely useful in dealing with water-damged materials. They have strength, will drain easily, and do not disintegrate or rust from dampness.

Library Trucks
These are used to transport material short distances. alternatives include shopping carts, baskets, and wheelbarrows.

Portable Pump
Used to remove water from flooded areas.

Portable Generators
Can provide necessary electricity if the library is without power.

Dehumidifiers
These help to reduce the humidity level of the air and retard mold development.

Hygroscope or Sling Hygrometer
Instruments used to measure atmospheric humidty. The hygroscope measures and records changes in humidity. The sling hygrometer measure the humidity level at the time the reading is taken.

Heavy Duty Extension Cords
It is recommended that three-wire grounded, fifty-foot cords be used.

Camera and Film
These are necessary to document the disaster and recovery operation for insurance and legal purposes.

Fumigation Service
Two types of fumigation services are available. both should be secured. One is the application of fumigants to expel or inhibit pests, mold, and fungus on site. The other is a fumigation chamber in which material are placed ot kill pests, mold, and fungus.

Chemicals
Chemicals such as Thymol and disinfectants are used to kill or inhibit mold and fungus. It may be advisable to defer use of some chemicals to experienced professionals.

Extra Security Personnel
Protection of the collection extends beyond the salvage operation. Physical security of the materials and protection of the site from looting and vandalism may be necessary.

Supplies and Equipment

Major Emergency Situation Kit

It is vital that each library have at least one MES Kit. The supplies stocked in the Kit can help to significantly reduce the damage that can occur to a collection in an emergency situation.

Every member of the Disaster Recovery Team should know the location of each Kit. The Chief Administrator of the DRT will be responsible for maintaining and resupplying each Kit as necessary.

Each Kit should contain:

• a library cart
• 2 plastic crates
• 4 rolls of paper toweling
• protective clothing and masks. These include disposable gloves, shoe coverings, and dust masks
• plastic sheeting, scissors, and strapping tape
• freezer paper/wax paper
• flash light
• plastic bags for debris
• First Aid Kit
• boxes
• nylon monofilament line
• polyester webbing
• sponges
• canvas tarps
• necessary chemicals
• waterproof pens, pencils and labels
• spiral notebood for recording material boxed, damaged
• Procedures for Salvage of Water-Damaged Library Materials by Peter Waters

Not all supplies and equipment will necessarily be purchased and stockpiled by all institutions.

Emergency Funds

The process for obtaining emergency funds is as follows:
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Bills for emergency recovery supplies should be sent to:

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Additional information:
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Local Experts and Consultants

Name/Title, Address, and Phone Number

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Regional Experts and Consultants

Solinet
Plaza Level
400 Colony Square
1201 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 892-0943
Regional conservation/disaster-assistance organization

Northeast Documents Conservation Center
Abbott Hall, School Street
Andover, MA 01810-4099
(Regional conservation center)
Disaster Hotline
(617) 470-1010
Hotline is available 24 hours a day.

Library of Congress of Conservation Office
110 Second Street, SE
Attn: Merrily Smith
Washington, D.C. 20540
(202) 287-1840

National Preservation Program Office
Office Research and Testing Office
110 Second Street, SE
Attn: Dr. Robert E. McComb
Washington, D.C. 20540
(202) 287-5608
Available for technical advice about the vacuum freeze-drying process.