Hurricanes and floods threaten not only homes, but treasured possessions: family heirlooms, photos, and other keepsakes. Even if they are completely soaked, they can probably still be saved if they are not contaminated with sewage or chemicals. The Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a coalition of 40 national organizations and federal agencies including FEMA, offers these basic guidelines:

• Safety first! With any disaster there may be health risks. Wear long sleeves, sturdy shoes, and plastic or rubber gloves during cleanup. Protective gear such as goggles and a fitted face mask is recommended if there is mold.

• Prevent Mold. Mold can form within 48 hours so you will need to work fast. The goal is to reduce the humidity and temperature around your treasures as you proceed to clean and dry them.

• Air-Dry. Gentle air-drying is best for all your treasured belongings—indoors, if possible. Do not use hair dryers, irons, ovens, and prolonged exposure to sunlight—they will do irreversible damage. Increase good indoor airflow with fans, open windows, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers.

• Handle with care. Use great caution in handling your heirlooms, which can be especially fragile when wet. Separate damp materials: remove the contents from drawers; take photographs
  out of damp albums; remove paintings and prints from frames; place white paper towels
  between the pages of wet books.

• Clean gently. Loosen dirt and debris on fragile objects gently with soft brushes and cloths. Avoid rubbing, which can grind in dirt.

• Salvage photos. Clean photographs by rinsing them carefully in clean water. Air-dry photos on a plastic screen or paper towel, or by hanging them by the corner with plastic clothespins.Do not let the image come into contact with other surfaces as it dries.

• Prioritize. You may not be able to save everything, so focus on what’s most important to you, whether for historic, monetary or sentimental reasons.

• Can’t Do It All? Damp objects and items that cannot be dealt with immediately should be put in open, unsealed boxes or bags. Photos, papers, books, and textiles should be frozen if you can’t get them dry within 48 hours.

• Call in a Pro. If a precious item is badly damaged, a conservator may be able to help. Be sure to collect broken pieces. Set your treasure aside in a well-ventilated room until you find professional help. To locate a conservator, contact the Guide to Conservation Services, American Institute for Conservation, (202) 452-9545, http://aic.stanford.edu.

These recommendations are intended as guidance only. Neither the Heritage Emergency National Task Force nor its sponsors, Heritage Preservation and FEMA, assume responsibility or liability for treatment of damaged objects.

*Recomendation above used with permission from Heritage Preservation, "Save Your Treasures the Right Way."