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Keepers of the Record -

I promise you, we were working on the wording of this post before the
earthquake hit, but that event certainly adds a bit of emphasis to the
reminders below.  If you sustained any records damage this afternoon,
please let us know so that we may help.

You are probably aware that the weather folks are currently forecasting
Hurricane Irene to arrive in the Commonwealth sometime this weekend,
probably bringing with it heavy winds and rain. Please take all
necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your work
areas, but this is also a reminder to check on your records storage
areas to ensure that everything remain as safe and dry as possible.  At
a minimum, think about where plastic sheeting placed over records
vulnerable to roof and window leaks could be especially helpful....and
then do it before you go home for the weekend.

Damage can also occur if your facility loses power for any length of
time, as poor air circulation, along with wet conditions outside, can
lead to mold growth inside. If you suspect mold growth, please do not
touch any material with your bare hands, but wear gloves and other
protection, and then only if you *have* to handle the records. It is
best not to handle any mold-contaminated material at all, but rather
contact your agency's emergency response personnel.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or any of the
Records Analysts here at the Library. We can provide assistance with
documenting damage, guidance on how to recover or assess damaged
records, and, if you do not have a contract with a recovery agency, we
can point you in the right direction to begin a recovery process.  Also,
please remember the Library's State Records Center is equipped with a
blast freezer that can assist with stabilizing water-logged records
until the recovery process is initiated.

If you have any urgent concerns or have gone through an event with which
you need help, please call the main Records Analysis number at (804)
692-3705 during regular business hours or (804) 687-4843 or (804)
687-4809 after hours.

Wishing you a safe, calm, dry, and steady next few days.

- Glenn

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Glenn T. Smith   [log in to unmask]
Records Analyst          www.lva.virginia.gov
The Library of Virginia          804-692-3604
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