"A Change In The Weather", original oil painting by Bob Browne

Hurricanes, flash floods and broken pipes are just a few things that can cause water damage to your treasured possessions. After the initial water damage, mold will be the next problem to battle.

Here are a few tips to help you stabilize and prevent further damage until a conservator or restorer can be contacted.

• For your protection, use plastic or rubber gloves when handling objects.

• Air dry the art indoors. Sunlight and heat may cause the item to dry too quickly which may cause warping and cracking.

• It is important to discourage the growth of mold. Opening windows, fans, air conditioners and dehumidifiers will help to increase the air flow.

• Works of art on paper will be very vulnerable when wet. Carefully take it out of the mat and frame so that it can air dry. If the paper is sturdy, hang it the way a photographer would hang his prints to dry.

• Remove paintings from their frame but not from the stretcher strips. Place them face up and so that air can circulate around it.

• Bronze sculpture needs to be dried off with a soft cloth as thoroughly as possible and air dry. Rinse any debris off with clean water so as not to scratch the patina.

Extra note for books, they can be kept in a refrigerator or freezer until they can be professionally treated.

Caution, because mold can cause serious health problems, it is best to contact professionals that have the correct protective gear and equipment to handle this situation.

Hopefully, this is an event that you will never have to encounter, but these simple steps can help to save your collection.

Click A Change in the Weather for more information about the illustrated art.