Emergency

Your documents got wet

You have about 48 hours before mould appears. Here is the essential, right now.

1. Switch off the electricity, protect yourself (gloves, a mask if the water is dirty).
2. Photograph the damage before touching, for your insurer.
3. Get the documents out of the water, the most precious first.
4. Air-dry in a cool, ventilated room, flat on absorbent paper.
5. No heat, do not separate stuck sheets, do not press books.
6. Cannot dry everything within 48 hours? Wrap and freeze.

The full step-by-step guide →