Flooding at Occidental College Library

A leak in the air conditioning system at Occidental College Library on March 1st resulted in water damage to approximately 21,000 books.  For further information, click on the links below.

The Occidental Weekly
Library Journal
Library Web Page

Map Of Flood and High Water Conditions

The USGS (United States Geological Survey) maintains a current map showing where the water level is near, at, or above flood stage. Click on a state to see more detailed information.

Ready to Roll to the Rescue

Even though our library is not in an area prone to experiencing hurricanes or flooding, we, like everyone, experience the occasional incursion of water into places it shouldn’t be.  In order to expedite getting salvage materials to the site of the incident, we have adopted a practice we heard about from Holly Robertson, Head of Preservation at Alderman Library, University of Virginia.  We’ve purchased a plastic cart to hold our “quick response” materials:  water absorbent “socks,” tri-fold paper towels for interleaving, a flash light, duct tape, plastic sheeting, scissors, paper and markers, latex gloves, etc.   The cart is readily accessible to the areas most likely to need it.  Most office supply stores offer a variety of carts–look for one that won’t be damaged by water, that rolls easily, and has shelves with sides on them so your supplies won’t slide off when you move the cart.  It would be nice if it also had a flashing light and a siren on it, but we can’t have everything…

Drip, drip, drip…

‘Tis the season in the South!…..thunderstorms with torrential rains and strong winds, hot, muggy days that make air conditioning systems work overtime…all contribute to increased risk for leaking roofs, doorways, windows, and pipes and for flooding from blocked drains, construction sites, etc.  Here are a few suggestions for catching these situations before they become catastrophes:

• conduct a daily inspection of any areas where water has come in before.  Any stained ceiling tiles?  Any musty smell?  Any condensation build-up on exposed pipes or ductwork?
• keep an eye on the weather forecast
• ask your Facilities maintenance people to check outside drains to make sure they are clear of debris
• if you don’t know already, find out what kinds of rooms are on the floors above your space (if any) and whether they pose a threat of leaking water into your space
• replenish any disaster supplies that might be needed, such as paper towelling, rubber gloves, masks, buckets/mops 
• if you don’t already have any absorbent “socks” for soaking up water off the floor, order them! (a site:  New Pig)
• make sure you have current phone numbers for your response team and for the Facilities people at your institution
• know how much you can do yourself, and whom to call for back-up (commercial salvage companies, conservation organizations, etc.)
• here’s a helpful regional resource from the CCAHA listing companies that provide all sorts of materials for salvage and preservation activities:  Mid-Atlantic Resource Guide for Disaster Preparedness

Flood Preparedness

Is your library susceptible to a flash flood? If so, do you have any irreplaceable materials at risk? On October 30, 2004, 10 inches of rain created a flash flood at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Here is a link to pictures of the damage to the Hamilton Library.

Dartmouth Flood Observatory

The Dartmouth Flood Observatory is a great source for flood-related maps and information.  Check out this global animated map of flooding over the past 20 years.