Frequently Asked Questions

• If we plan to bring in a company to help us handle a disaster, do we need to purchase supplies and equipment beforehand? Couldn't we just have any necessary supplies sent "overnight delivery?"
  
  It is a good idea to have some supplies and equipment on hand, so that work can progress while arrangements are being made to bring additional resources on site.
  
  It may take a day or two to line up supplies and get them shipped. Contracting with a recovery company can take some time as well. If there is standing water and room temperatures, mold growth can start within 48-72 hours. In addition, wet paper based materials will progressively swell and become distorted. The first 24 to 48 hours are critical to a recovery effort.

• Does ProText help with disaster recovery?
  
  ProText does not physically respond to disaster. ProText specializes in helping libraries, archives, records centers and museums plan ahead. We do recommend and supply information about other companies that will help to salvage a collection after a disaster.

• I am going to speak about disaster planning. Will ProText send enough literature for my audience?
  
  Yes, we are very happy to send our product literature, in the quantities you need. In addition, to provide support in the difficult task of disaster planning and recovery, ProText has developed some information items that may be useful handouts. Recognized sources were used in developing these instructions. But experts constantly revise their opinions based upon new knowledge. So these materials are under constant revision and improvement. We welcome your review and comments about these materials. Call us about your upcoming event, and we will be glad to assist you. (phone: 301-320-7231)



• I need materials to demonstrate salvage techniques to workshop participants. Will ProText supply these to me?
  
  A limited number of REACT•PAK™ loaner kits are available to instructors. In addition, ProText provides supply items at reduced prices for training purposes. Call us about your upcoming event, and we will be glad to assist you. (phone: 301-320-7231)

• I have an idea for a disaster preparedness product. But I do not see it on the ProText web site. What should I do?
  
  ProText staff is well equipped to do the necessary product research, meticulously test products for their durability and appropriateness, and make new disaster planning products available. ProText wants to emphasize our enthusiasm for helping you as much as possible. We want to provide at least the basic ingredients that will assist you and your staff in carrying out disaster planning procedures and in responding to emergencies. That is why REACT•PAK™ was developed and why ProText will continue to expand its line of disaster preparedness products.

• Does the REACT•PAK™ have everything in it that we will need in case of emergency?
  
  No kit of disaster preparedness materials can necessarily meet every contingency that could arise in a disaster situation. A great deal of thought and product research went into determining specific product selection for inclusions in REACT•PAK™. There are obvious limits of what can be expected of ordinary products. This is particularly true if the product users are volunteers, inexperienced or not fully trained.
  
  Accordingly, please remember that nothing can substitute for advance planning and training that are essential in order to react quickly and appropriately in the event of an emergency. It is important to create a disaster planning manual for your organization. Recovery team members should practice the procedures, response and recovery activities, and the correct use of tools, equipment, and supplies in advance. The goal is to create a well-equipped, confident, and effective team that can cope with the stress of a disaster situation.



• The REACT•PAK™ kit doesn't have everything in it that we want. Can we design our own kit?
  
  It may be desirable to supplement or exchange products in the REACT•PAK™ to tailor it to your needs. It is our objective to assemble a compact, affordable, generic kit that is serviceable to the largest number of libraries and records centers. However, you and your staff are most familiar with what type of water-related emergencies you are most likely to encounter - either because of your geographic area, your building, or other factors. In addition, you and your staff best know your collection, and which parts of it deserve priority. All REACT•PAK™ supplies and many additional items can be ordered separately. If ProText can be of service in selecting and obtaining additional items, please do not hesitate to call on us.

• How high can RESCUBE® be stacked safely?
  
  The RESCUBE® has been subjected to independent strength tests. Container Testing Laboratory in Mamaroneck NY performed Dynamic Compression testing (to failure) on RESCUBE®. However, human safety, not merely strength, is the main factor to consider in stacking heavy boxes of wet books that are easily toppled. Considering human factors, ProText recommends that RESCUBE® not be stacked beyond chest height, that is 4 high.



• How many times can RESCUBE® be reused?
  
  RESCUBE® is designed for reuse. When used continuously, corrugated high density polyethylene containers last about four times as long as corrugated fibreboard boxes.



• What about long term storage of RESCUBE®?
  
  When stored, RESCUBE® strength is not affected by insect infestation or moisture infiltration, like corrugated fibreboard boxes. It is recommended that RESCUBE® not be stored in direct sunlight or high temperatures that can cause discoloration.



• What happens if RESCUBE® gets crushed?
  
  RESCUBE® is resilient. After being crushed, RESCUBE® recovers most of its former strength. Recompressing RESCUBE® a second time resulted in only 23 percent loss in strength, according to independent tests. That is, 77 percent of RESCUBE® strength remains, even after crushing to failure. In contrast, it is not possible to retest a fibreboard carton once it has been taken to failure.



• How does RESCUBE® perform in cold temperatures?
  
  RESCUBE® becomes stronger in cold temperatures. At minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, RESCUBE® exhibited an 18 percent increase in strength over room temperature, according to independent tests. That is because RESCUBE® is made of high density polyethylene. Other types of plastic can become brittle, and fibreboard becomes less strong when subjected to minus 20 degree temperatures.