Dear Lee,

I am writing this during the Houston flood. The predictions are more rain, more flooding as far away as Louisiana, more people rescued, and more homes destroyed. So, I’m writing about collectors and their special problems after a flood. My hope is that it will help while they are rebuilding their lives and homes.

Collectors are special people who like long-term goals, like finding a rare bottle. Most dig holes or search neglected or dirty house sales to add to a collection. They also willingly do research, ask friends for help, and keep records of the history and money spent on a collection. These are all traits used to conquer a flood. Our thoughts are with all the collectors who have problems much greater than a damaged collection. But in the end, after the clean-up, the collector can admire the result of the hard work and solved problems of 2017. And once again think about collecting. There will be people who save the ephemera of the flood. There already is a woman who climbed a pole to save the American flag that flew in her town.

There are many rules for clean up after a flood. (The rest of us should keep this handy in case of a roof leak or broken pipe. I’ve had both.)

 

·     Safety comes first. Be sure the electricity is off and the broken floors and glass are out of the way.

·     Get help with the heavy things.

·      Wear rubber boots and gloves.

·      Damage lasts a long time so after you get rid of the water, clean what you can, dry what you will keep, and store undamaged things. Much later, after you have cleaned and restored the surroundings, worry about the stored collectibles and furnishings.

·      If you stored anything in newspapers, unwrap them. The ink may stain.

·      Take another look at books and paper. Some may still be damp inside. Try to open the book a page or so a day to dry. I made sure it had no mold, then brushed off the pages outside. There was still damage, but most of the pages were saved.

·      Rinse off any dirt on ceramics, silver, glass, etc. with running water. Don’t scrub. It will scratch the pieces.

·       Everything in a cupboard or shelf near the flood must be disinfected. Things can be washed in the dishwasher, several times if necessary. Don’t worry about the gold or silver trim and other overglaze decoration on ceramics. One washing won’t destroy it.

·       All types of U.S. money can be salvaged. Take coins to a Federal Reserve Bank, send paper money to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing by registered, first class mail and ask for a return receipt.

 

If you would like to receive a free copy of our special report After the Flood, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Kovels.com, P.O. Box 22192, Beachwood, OH 44122.