Owner`s manual

Additional resources:
Your county family living agent
Related publications:
“Repairing Your Flooded Home,” the
American Red Cross/Federal
Emergency Management Agency, 1992.
♦ Government savings bonds, religious records, retirement papers,
copyrights and patents
♦ Household inventory, one copy of a list of valuable papers and their
locations
DRYING PAPERS AND BOOKS
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.
Information from: University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, University of FloridaCooperativeExtensionService, North Carolina Cooperative
Extension Service
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension