Emergency Care
Articles
Emergency Care
Bookworms, Insects Infestation in Books
By April Hann Lanford
While the connotation of a bookworm is that of a voracious reader, there are insects that actually feed on books. Books are inherently inviting and vulnerable, given their construction of organic materials such as paper, cardboard, starch-based binding adhesive, cotton, and leather. If left unattended, insects can lead to a significant amount of damage.
Bookworms are not actually worms.
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Insect Infestation in Wooden Artifacts, Frames and Furniture
By April Hann Lanford
You might be surprised, but a common attribute among aged wooden artifacts is the evidence of previous insect activity. While not all antique pieces will have this, don’t be alarmed if they do. The appearance of such activity is also even mimicked in reproductions to give a piece the appearance of age!
What you should be concerned about is an active infestation, as well as structural instability as a result of an infestation. Most often, an infestation is caused by a powderpost beetle and its larvae.
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Before the Storm, Emergency Preparation of Collections
By April Hann Lanford
When there is a pending storm, time is of the essence to safeguard collections. Hurricanes and heavy storms can bring an onslaught of rain which can result in flooding, loss of power, and structural damage. While the evacuation of a collection is the ideal solution, limited timing, access to packing materials, or the sheer volume of items, may prove it to be prohibitive.
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Wildfire, Emergency Preparation of Collections
By April Hann Lanford
When there is a threat of wildfires in the area, time is of the essence to safeguard collections. While the evacuation of a collection is the ideal solution, limited timing, access to packing materials, or the sheer volume of items, may prove it to be prohibitive.
If you need to evacuate and need to leave your collection behind, here are a few recommendations to help protect your pieces, and assist with potential recovery in the future:
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Initial Recovery of Water Damaged Collections
By April Hann Lanford
Time is of the essence when fine art, artifact, and furniture collections are exposed to water. While standing water is the instant concern, there are two environmental perils that immediately follow: elevated humidity and mold.
The following are a few proactive steps to start safeguarding and recovering a compromised collection:
Documentation-Photograph the items in their current state.
Video-If you have access to video, also take video as it can capture more footage in a smaller amount of time. The documentation allows for a snapshot in time but can also help facilitate managing the restoration process as well as submitting a claim in the future.
Inventory-Make an inventory of the items. Identify the priority items. All items should be inventoried prior to leaving the premises.
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Wildfire, Initial Recovery of Fire Damaged Collections
By April Hann Lanford
Time is of the essence when fine art, artifact, and furniture collections are exposed to soot and smoke. The longer soot rests on the surface, the more difficult it can become to successfully clean.
The following are a few proactive steps to start safeguarding and recovering a compromised collection:
- Safety first-Check with local authorities to confirm that it is safe to return. Your personal safety is the most important. In addition to the structural instability of buildings and homes, there is also the risk of flash floods and mudslides that might follow.
- Proper PPE-Before entering, make sure you are wearing the proper safety equipment for the environment. Heavy soled shoes, gloves and a mask are an absolute must. Click Here to Read More…
Insurance Claims, Definitions of Valuation
By April Hann Lanford
The experience of a loss is often unexpected and leaves many unprepared to deal with insurance claims. There are several actions you can take to be prepared to handle a claim and your personal property. To get started, review your homeowner’s insurance and know what type of losses are covered, know if you have a Replacement Cost or Actual Cost Value (ACV) policy. Knowing these two things will help with your expectations and you will be able to ask the right questions to your adjuster. Make an inventory of your personal property, take photographs, and do a video walkthrough of your home. Determine if there is any supplemental insurance you need and if there is anything of high value or importance that should be scheduled. The guide below is an overview of helpful definitions of values
Overview of Articles
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