Checklist of immediate steps

The following description of salvage and recovery assumes that appropriate action has been taken to protect the safety of staff and patrons, as detailed in the institution's general safety manual.

· Alert appropriate staff members listed in the disaster telephone tree and name a meeting place.

· Make sure the emergency coordinator contacts disaster action team leaders.

· Contact the appropriate institutional offices of risk management and insurance and coordinate with emergency services to determine when and where it is safe to enter the building.

· Contain damage (for example, spread plastic sheeting over shelves).

· Reduce relative humidity and ensure good air circulation to control mold growth, keep air conditioning on if possible, and use fans and open windows to keep air circulating. Bring large commercial dehumidifiers into the facility if needed. Monitor temperature and relative humidity throughout the recovery process.

· Assess the nature and extent of the damage, and take photographs to document the damage.

· Identify a disaster command post, with telephones, desks, and supplies needed for directing the recovery effort.

· Take the time to make recovery plans; do not start removing material until a general plan of action is made.

· But make decisions and take action quickly: modl can start growing on wet material within 48 hours.