Originally published September 20, 2017. This article preserves One Sixth Society’s original reporting and images; product availability, pricing, and opinions reflect the original publication period.
First of all, I hope any of our members affected by the recent storms are safe and sound. I am just getting ready to get back home after having to evacuate from Hurricane Irma, and it is never a fun time. I live in Florida and ended up having to leave home for a few days to try to dodge the storm. Everything is fine here now, but it is still something that I hope our readers do not have to deal with. Picking up your life and leaving your home is a huge, involved process that is tedious and nerve-wracking.
This was the first time since I have started collecting that I have had to evacuate due to weather. I wanted to share some tips on how to Protect Your Action Figures from Natural Disasters.
Now, I know that protecting your collection from weather sounds silly to some. Obviously, keeping your family and friends safe is the number one priority. Protecting your home is the next step, especially if you have to evacuate.
If you are like me, you may have a significant amount of money invested in your collection, which is not to be ignored either. I am going to be going over what I did with my figures, as well as some more general tips about protecting your collection.
Keep Cardboard Boxes Away from Water
Now, this one was learned the hard way many years ago. I had a few boxes filled with some old books that ended up getting damp when my roof leaked. Unfortunately the soggy box ended up destroying the books in the process. Now I am terrified to keep my figures in the boxes when weather is an issue.
Frequent readers will note that I am very selective with keeping art boxes, and this is one of my main reasons for that. The absolute last thing I want is a box rotting around a figure. If that happened obviously the figure could be ruined, whether it be water damage, or mildew smell. I usually trash boxes, and when I do keep them I keep them separate from the figures. Speaking of figures, I have a few things that I do to keep them safe.
How I Packed Before Evacuating
Power outages and flooding were my main concerns in Florida. Losing air conditioning can leave a room hot and humid, while figures on low shelves are exposed if water enters the house. I moved my collection before leaving, while there was still time to do so safely.
I separated the figures, accessories and stands into zip-top bags, put them in a suitcase, and moved it to a high closet shelf. That was my improvised approach during this evacuation; bags and a suitcase do not make a collection floodproof.
Do not seal damp collectibles in plastic. They need appropriate drying and recovery advice, especially after contact with dirty floodwater. The American Institute for Conservation provides guidance for water-damaged belongings.
Get Collectibles Insurance
Now, I have actually not done this step myself, but I am in the process of researching. I have heard the silly GEICO commercials about collection insurance, but I always kind of wrote it off. However, this recent evacuation opened my eyes a bit on the issue. I have finally sat down and started to look into insuring my collection.
Keep photographs, receipts and an inventory of the collection. Ask an insurance provider how it values a loss and whether the policy covers the risks in your area, including flood or earthquake damage. Check the deductible, per-item limits and total limit for collectibles. California Earthquake Authority policy documents, for example, include limits for collectible toys. Ask the insurer to confirm your coverage and exclusions in writing.
Closing Thoughts
Storms are terrifying, and it is never fun to have to leave your home. Luckily these days it is much easier to get a heads up on upcoming weather conditions. Having plenty of time to prepare is crucial in these situations.
I hope that some of the stuff that I went over would help you out if you ever needed to try to protect your figures from the elements. Everyone is different, and I am sure that some of you have been in the same situation. I would love to see what your strategies are as well! Different regions probably need different precautions as well. If you do end up insuring your collection, make sure that you pick what is right for you and your region.
No one wants to deal with harsh weather, but that is what life hands you sometimes. Prioritize your safety and follow local emergency instructions. I know it sounds silly, but just as you might protect your home or your car, if you have a significant amount of money in your collectibles it is not a bad idea to try to protect them. Protect your family and friends first but if time permits you can also take steps to reduce the risk of damage to your figures.
