As we all know, libraries are the stockroom of knowledge. It is the vault of every record made and noted of human existence, achievements and looming future. But what if the movie The Day After Tomorrow became a reality?
The movie is an apocalyptic science fiction on the possible effects of global warming and cooling. The polar ice melts and disrupts the North Atlantic current, causing unforeseen hurricanes and flash floods that lasted for months.
Let's end the story at that. What would libraries do if their collections were submerged in water? What are the methods for water removal in the library in order to save the hundred of collections preserved there for years.
Ensure safety first, so before embarking on a water removal operation, always be reminded of the proper protective gear when doing so. Flood waters are home to many bacteria and hazardous chemicals, so beware. Also make sure that the main power switch and main water control are turned off for safety precautions too.
Set, first and foremost, which collection should have your attention or should be salvaged first. Valuable and irreplaceable articles, collection of books, microfilms etc., should be restored first.
If the library is totally damaged it is advisable that water removal process would start with the attic. Replace the insulation of the library if damaged because if you don't, moisture could get trapped in it. Moisture can not only damage the structure further but even attract molds and mildews in the vicinity.
Open the attic windows in order to allow air to circulate evenly. Also, remove the water soaked boxes because it can weigh down the floor which can cause damage to the ceiling below.
Use dehumidifiers and fans to further free the library from water, moisture and humidity. But above, all the most effective water removal technique, not only for libraries but for every infrastructure, is letting the water dry naturally.
In the course of the water removal process, keep windows open to ensure proper ventilation.
If the flood reached the attic, then all the more that it had caused damaged in the basement. When removing the waters in your basement make sure that the environment outside it is drained already, otherwise the uneven pressure from the outside to the inside might cause the collapse of the structure.
Once you are sure that the water outside has receded already, start the water removal process. First, try pumping two to three feet of water from the basement, mark it and wait overnight.
If the water level rises then that goes to show that it is still not safe to pump it because doing so may lead to the said collapse. But if it remains the same or unchanged, then do the first water removal instruction and repeat the process.
Once you find out that it is already timely to fully drain the basement then that is the time that you may conduct full water removal process. Always be reminded to move quickly. Water removal is a race of time because leaving it as it is, wet, humid and moist, would lead the growth of mold and mildew- two culprits that are detrimental for everyone.
These guidelines are not only applicable for water removal in libraries but also in almost every infrastructure. |
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