MUSEUMS and its collections are not immune to environmental disasters. Civil unrest, vandalism, earthquakes, explosions, looting/theft, fire, flooding, etc (either on small or large scale) which may be due to human agency, error, neglect or forces of nature. Focus is on flood conditions which create health problems and safety hazards. Some of these hazards include physical dangers, wildlife death or release, failure of electrical systems and gas lines, structural instability, chemicals and contaminants, and moulds and mildew growth, among others.
These conditions require a speedy reaction to reduce damage to collections, buildings and equipment or people. Museum staff and volunteers should be regularly trained to deal with disasters. Generally, flooded areas should not be entered nor any action taken without the appropriate authorities determining its safety. Wearing of proper clothing, boots, masks and work gloves are required when entering flooded areas. All areas of the body should be covered and working in water cooler than 240C for extended periods of time should not be encouraged in order to prevent hypothermia.
Physical dangers: nails, broken glass, and sharp metals can hide in water or mud. The floors can be slippery. Caution must be taken while walking in the water. Lifting heavy objects weighing more than 20 kg must be avoided
Wildlife death or release: Floods usually kill or force out animals from their natural/caged habitats into unusual places. The Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo in Maiduguri recently witnessed flooding due to the Alu Dam collapse. The flood caused a devastating damage which led to killing and washing away of about 80% of the animals in the zoo. The zoo authorities immediately alerted the public to take precautions because deadly animals had been washed into the communities. The following precautions must be taken in case snakes or other deadly animals are washed into your area: (a) be aware of the kind of deadly animals released; learn how to identify venomous snakes (b) wear protective clothing, tall boots and gloves (c) use sticks or shovels to remove debris (d) avoid sudden movement if you find a snake. The snake may leave if you stay still (e) Eliminate food chains (f) remove hiding places (debris and trash) (g) block openings where snakes or other animals may get in (h) if an animal gets into your building, call a professional.
Failure of electrical systems lines: Before entering a flooded building, turn off the gas and electricity to avoid electrocution, fire and explosions. Do not touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet unless the power is off. Be aware of flooded electrical circuits, broken or leaking gas lines, submerged furnaces of appliances and flammable materials. Use only battery-powered flashlights when inspecting a building. Never have an open flame in a flooded area. If you smell gas, evacuate the building immediately and call appropriate authorities to check for leaks.
Structural instability: Water can weaken the walls and foundations of buildings. Pressure from water in the ground surrounding the foundation can cause structural damage or collapse. The following are signs of unsafe structural conditions: (a) washed-out soil around the foundation (b) large cracks or gaps in the foundation (c) sagging roofs or ceilings (d) floors that bounce or give when walked on. Building(s) that may have structural damage should not be entered until a qualified individual inspects it and determines that it is safe. You may need to remove standing water. Pump no more than a third of the water each day to allow the building to settle gradually avoiding further damage.
Chemicals and contaminants: Most museums house chemicals that can be hazardous in floods. Cleaning chemicals, paints, solvents, and pesticides may be present in areas including: photographic processing labs, maintenance closets, storage areas and conservation labs Floodwater can dislodge containers that hold these chemicals.
Some symptoms of pesticide poisoning include headache, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, breathing difficulty, tremors or convulsions. These symptoms usually appear immediately or within a few hours after exposure.
Moulds and mildew growth: When temperatures reach 70°F, mold growth can occur. Large numbers of mold spores can trigger allergic reactions, infections, and other respiratory problems. If a mold problem is detected, it must be immediately isolated
When working in a moldy area, wear masks or respirators. If a person breathes enough molds, reactions may include tightening of the chest, flu-like symptoms and death.
- Adesiyan is Assistant Chief Conservator,
National Museum, Ile-Ife.
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