Most flooded books and papers should be discarded. Valuable paper documents and books might be saved with careful attention.
Attend to flooded papers and books as soon as possible to keep mold and mildew from growing in them. If the time is not available, freeze them in sealed plastic bags.
Dry papers and books slowly. Put books in an air-conditioned room in front of a dehumidifier or use a fan. Do not use a hair dryer as it could burn the pages.
Stand books on end with pages separated or put dry pieces of paper between each page to absorb moisture. When partially dry, stack and press books to flatten pages. Alternate drying and stacking until the books are completely dry.
Once papers have dried, consider scanning or copying them and discard the original. Even if papers seem to have completely dried, they may disintegrate due to chemicals and other pollutants in flood waters.
For more options and detailed instructions, see the Minnesota Historical Society website.
Saving Flooded Photographs, Negatives, and Films
Flood damaged photographs, negatives, and films can be saved but the work needs to be done quickly.
The saving work involves carefully separating, rinsing, and drying flat (or hanging negatives and films). Distilled water is best but clean water is good, too.
For more detailed and complete instructions, see yarnmaker.com. Review and print out the information before flooding occurs so you know what to do if it happens.
Consider storing photographs, negatives, and slides up high or scan them to make digital copies and store or share them in multiple ways.