Supply Checklist
1. Polyethylene (plastic) sheeting (preferably in 3 x 7.5 meter, or 10 x 25 foot, rolls, 4 millimeters thick). To quickly cover shelves and books if there is a water leak above the shelves.
2. Cutters. To cut the plastic sheeting to the appropriate length. Scissors are cumbersome and slower to handle.
3. Duct tape or other strong adhesive tape. To secure the plastic sheeting in place above the shelves.
4. Paper towels (boxes of individual absorbent sheets, not rolls). To partially interleave books inair drying.
5. Heavy-duty electrical extension cable (30 meters, or 100 feet, long). To provide flexibility in locating electrical appliances such as fans.
6. Multi-outlet power strip. To permit more than one low-power appliance to be connected to the electrical supply.
7. Waxed or freezer paper (in sheets). To pack materials for freezing. This can typically be obtained from food processors.
8. Pens, pads, and pencils. To mark boxes and document their contents and location.
9. Flashlight (torch). To use in dark corners and when electrical supplies fail.
10. Hard hat. To protect and identify team leaders during recovery operations.
11. Safety gloves. To protect against broken glass and other hazards.
12. Safety goggles. To protect eyes from dust and construction debris.
13. Protective aprons. To prevent clothing stains caused by dyes from wet materials. Waterproof aprons help prevent wet clothing.
14. Fishing line and pegs. To dry photographs or thin pamphlets. These materials can be hung on strong fishing line strung across a room, and secured in place by the plastic pegs.
15. Polyester film (Mylar) sheets (cut to about 0.3 x 0.6 meters, or 1 x 2 feet). To separate wet sheets of paper.
16. Cordon tape (yellow warning tape like that used by police to cordon off an area). To cordon off a drying section of a reading room or indicate that readers should not enter an area.
17. Safety mask and filter. To assist breathing in areas with dust or fungi contamination.