Powerless but Not Hopeless: Protecting Collections During Outages and HVAC Failures

When the Lights Go Out...Mold Moves In

After storms in Georgia, many institutions manage to avoid direct structural damage but have faced extended power outages. Without functioning HVAC, humidity levels can skyrocket, creating the perfect conditions for mold growth.

After Hurricane Matthew (2016), some coastal Georgia archives and museums reported that their most serious damage wasn’t from flooding but from weeks of high humidity while waiting for power to be restored.

 A storm doesn’t need to breach your roof to destroy your collections—sometimes the danger is invisible, creeping in through air quality and humidity.

The Risk Timeline: Power Loss in Heritage Institutions

Phase	What’s Happening in Collections
0–12 Hours	Temperatures rise slightly, allowing for air to carry more humidity
12–48 Hours	Temperature and Humidity spikes in closed storage; adhesives and paper swell
2–5 Days	Mold colonies begin forming on organic materials
1–2 Weeks	Mechanical systems degrade; pests attracted to damp conditions
>2 Weeks	Significant, often irreversible damage to collections

Preventative Measures

• Portable Dehumidifiers & Generators: Even small units can stabilize a critical collection room. Consider having these on hand, or know where you can rent or buy them from if needed immediately.

• Prioritize Climate-Controlled Spaces: Decide in advance which rooms get generator backup. Generators often have limited power that they can create, and not everything will be able to be brought back online at once.

• Pre-stock Desiccants & Fans: Especially fans that are battery powered or can be plugged into a generator. Low-tech but lifesaving stopgaps while awaiting power.

• Coordinate with Local EMA & Utility Providers: Some Georgia counties allow heritage sites to register as priority sites for power restoration.

  
  

Power & HVAC Preparedness Checklist

Before Storm Season

•  Identify critical spaces that need backup power

•  Test generator capacity; ensure fuel storage is safe & compliant

•  Stock desiccants, fans, extension cords, humidity loggers

•  Update disaster plan with “power outage response” section

During an Outage

•  Immediately monitor temperature/humidity in key rooms

•  Deploy portable dehumidifiers or fans (generator-powered)

•  Relocate most sensitive collections (e.g., photographs, film, textiles)

•  Document conditions and actions taken for insurance/records

Post-Outage Recovery

•  Inspect all storage areas for mold and pest activity

•  Recalibrate HVAC systems after restart

•  Review effectiveness of backup measures

•  Debrief with staff to update outage response plan

Closing Note

Even without wind or flood damage, outages can devastate collections silently. By preparing for power loss, institutions can keep history safe even when the grid goes down.