As Floridians continue to recover from the devastating impacts of recent hurricanes, preservation specialists are offering expert advice on how to salvage cherished belongings damaged by the storms.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Smithsonian Institution have partnered to deploy specialists to two Disaster Recovery Centers in Florida. These experts will be available to provide guidance on salvaging items such as photographs, artwork, textiles, and other treasured possessions.
READ: Hillsborough County Extends State Of Emergency Due to Hurricane Milton
Locations and Dates:
- Sarasota Municipal Auditorium: 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
- Mobile Disaster Recovery Center: 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL
Specialists will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, from October 28th through November 1st.
Key Salvage Tips:
- Air-dry carefully: Gentle air-drying indoors is crucial. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers or irons, which can cause irreversible damage.
- Handle with care: Wet items are fragile. Separate damp materials and avoid rubbing, which can grind in dirt.
- Clean photographs gently: Rinse photos in clean water and air-dry them on a plastic screen or by hanging them with clips.
- Prioritize your efforts: Focus on salvaging the most important items, whether for sentimental, historical, or monetary value.
READ: Hurricane Milton Impacts Florida’s Job Market, Unemployment Claims Spike
Additional resources:
- Photographs: Carefully remove wet photos from enclosures and avoid pulling apart stuck photos. Soaking them in clean water may help separate them.
- Books: Rinse books closed if necessary and place wax paper between pages if they are sticky. Freeze books spine down for gradual drying.
For those unable to meet with specialists in person, FEMA offers detailed guidance and resources on its website:
- Hurricane Milton: fema.gov/disaster/4834
- Hurricane Helene: fema.gov/disaster/4828
- Hurricane Debby: fema.gov/disaster/4806
This initiative provides valuable support to those impacted by the hurricanes, helping them preserve precious memories and belongings damaged by the storms.
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