Recent climate events have shown how heavy rains, storms and strong winds can cause destructive flooding, roof damage and harm to buildings. Not long ago, in 2016, the Louvre had its basement evacuated as an emergency measure because of the risk of the River Seine flooding. But there is no need to look that far: it has been only a year since the floods of the Guaíba River caused incalculable damage in Porto Alegre, forcing the closure of cultural institutions located in the city centre and the emergency relocation of works to upper floors.
Examples like these show how shifting rainfall patterns and the frequency of extreme events can be critical for the safekeeping of works of art, requiring institutions and collectors to adopt prevention and safety strategies.
How to assess the risk of your property
First of all, it is essential to understand the geographic and climatic conditions of the region and to study which extreme effects may occur as a result of climate change. Buildings that house collections must undergo regular maintenance of roofs, gutters and drainage systems, as heavy rains can overwhelm inadequate structures.
Preventive measures
Preventive measures that can be adopted include relocating works to upper floors when there is a risk of flooding. Bulky or fragile items should be kept in safe areas or ready for rapid transport. Works more susceptible to damage, such as wood, paper and photographs, should be prioritised for removal.
When to move the collection
A safe alternative is to move the collection to a warehouse specialised in works of art such as Clé Chenue do Brasil, whose facilities are kept under ideal conditions of humidity, fire prevention and security for the safekeeping of collections.
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