Obvious dangers

There are obvious dangers to collections, such as fires and flood, but the sources of these problems are often not clearly enough recognized. For example, in the United States, 72% of all library and archive fires are the result of arson, with another 25% the result of construction. Sometimes, fire and flood are associated, when for example, fire-fighters' hoses knock books from shelves and soak materials, or when leaking ceilings cause fires from electrical short circuits. The library director and emergency coordinator should always be notified at least 48 hours before any plumbing or construction work is undertaken so that collections can be moved or covered with plastic as a precaution.

Next: Checklists of hazards and safety features