More Information
The Los Angeles area has experienced unprecedented devastation, and our hearts are heavy as we process the loss and destruction caused by the fires throughout L.A. County. UCLA Library Preservation & Conservation has collected resources that we hope may support the recovery and preservation of materials damaged in the fires.
If you find damaged books, papers, photographs, audiovisual materials and other memorabilia that you think may be salvageable, please use the resources below to learn the basics on handling cultural heritage material that has been affected by fire, soot and ash. We encourage you to reach out to our Library conservators with any questions.
General advice from FEMA
Firstly, be sure to wear gloves when handling any fire damaged materials. This protects you as well as the items. Greasy residue in soot can be permanently fixed to absorbent surfaces (like paper) by skin oils.
Lift items carefully, and try placing slide supports (sheets, boards, plastic) beneath your belongings so you can safely carry fragile items. Cleaning up as promptly as possible can help reduce the damage that soot can cause.
Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, on the lowest setting, be careful to vacuum soot and ash off your item without touching the nozzle to the surface or using a brush.
Shelved books that are charred on the outside may remain intact inside, so carefully vacuum the edges and covers before you open the books.
General advice from the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Please handle audiovisual materials with care. The cases that the objects are supplied in can offer a high degree of protection, but scratches and dirt can find their way to the surface as a result of poor handling.
Audiovisual materials may still be retrievable depending on what the fire has touched. If the plastic casing has melted, but not the tape inside (cassettes, VHS, Betamax, etc), the content on the tape may be safe. It may not be a full capture, but the remaining tape can be cleaned, digitized and rehoused into a new case.
For CDs and DVDs without visible distortion, soot may be gently brushed from the surfaces of the disc. The laser side may be rinsed with deionized water, but take great care to avoid scratching the label side. Always use a soft brush or cloth and use outward motions from the center to the edge, not circular motions around the disc.
For film keep dry and gently brush off loose debris. If the film became wet, double-bag it in a sealed bag and place in a domestic freezer until help can be contacted.
Sources
Linked below are resources with more information regarding how to approach salvaging fire damaged materials.
