BATON ROUGE – Preservation experts with the Smithsonian Institution will be available to help demonstrate how to save family treasures that were damaged in the historic flooding.

According to a statement by FEMA, flood survivors can learn how to salvage photos, artwork, quilts and family heirlooms. The experts will demonstrate how to handle, dry and clean the objects as well as share tips on personal safety.

FEMA says photos can be rinsed gently in clean water and air dried on plastic screens, paper towels or hung on plastic clothespins. It is important that the image does not contact any other surface as it dries.

Experts say high direct heat from hair dryers or irons, or prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause irreversible damage. It’s better to use open windows, fans, air conditioners and dehumidifiers.

The sessions will be:

Friday, September 23

Lafayette Parish

Lafayette Disaster Recovery Center

301 West University Avenue

Lafayette

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday, September 24

East Baton Rouge Parish

Celtic Disaster Recovery Center

10000 Celtic Drive

Baton Rouge

10:00 am – 5:00 pm