STORM AFTERMATH Rescuing memories from water damage

Don't dry damaged items in direct sunlight, a preservationist advises.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Thinking things couldn't possibly get worse, you trudge through your water-damaged basement, only to find a precious family heirloom -- the blanket made by your favorite aunt, a piece of artwork your great-grandmother brought with her from the old country, or your baby pictures -- floating in the corner.
Your heart sinks.
But there is hope.
The first thing is to get the damaged items out of water and let them air out, said Jana Dambrogio of Liberty, who has spent the past 13 years conserving art, historical documents, books and other materials.
Dambrogio has worked on Emily Dickinson manuscripts and on Vatican documents dating from the 10th century to the 19th century. Now, with 5 inches of water in her mother's basement, Dambrogio is putting her skills to use on family artwork, photos and other heirlooms.
Clean and dry
Of course, not everything can be salvaged, Dambrogio said, but there are tips to restoring water-damaged items.
"You need to get things out of the basement and into well-ventilated areas to dry them out," she said. "Salvage it first so you can treat it later."
If an item is wet, rinse it carefully with clear water. Don't let the items dry in direct sunlight or heat because that can cause more damage, Dambrogio said.
Books should be opened and laid out to dry.
"They may warp, but it's better than having mold," she said.
Large picture books may pose additional problems because the material used on the paper may make the pages stick, Dambrogio said.
Another big no-no, she said, is putting items in plastic bags before they dry.
"That keeps the moisture in and creates an environment for mold to grow," Dambrogio said. "You can put items in opened, plain cardboard boxes ... and then the air can get to them."
Web site help
The Mahoning Valley Historical Society has a link on its Web site -- www.mahoninghistory.org -- with tips from Heritage Preservation and the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works on taking care of water-damaged items.
The tips include:
UIf objects are broken or begin to fall apart, place all pieces in clearly labeled, open containers. Don't attempt to repair objects until completely dry.
UUse caution when handling documents, books, photos and artwork on paper. Free the edges of prints and paper objects in mats and frames, if possible, to allow them to dry. Rinse mud off wet photos with clear water.
UReduce humidity and stop the growth of mold and mildew by increasing air flow with fans, open windows, air conditioners or dehumidifiers.
URemove wet paintings from the frame, but not the stretcher. Air dry, face up, away from direct sunlight.
UFurniture finishes and painting surfaces may develop a white haze or bloom from contact with water and humidity. These problems don't require immediate attention.
URinse metal objects exposed to floodwaters, mud or silt with clear water and dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth. Allow heavy mud deposits on large metal objects, such as sculptures, to dry. Caked mud can be removed later.