How to Perform a Two-Person Salvage Fold

A salvage cover is a large waterproof sheet designed to be spread over the contents of a room to protect them from water, smoke and heat damage. Salvage covers are most often used by firefighters for that purpose. Proper storage is part of the care and maintenance of these expensive covers, and folding them correctly increases their lifespan. The accordion method using two people is the primary method of folding a cover for proper storage.

Things You'll Need

• Salvage cover

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean and dry the cover before beginning the procedure. This prevents damage due to sharp items being caught in the fold and minimizes the possibility of mold or mildew.

• 2

  Spread the cover out on a clean flat surface. The finished side should be facing up.

• 3

  Position each person at the midpoint of opposite edges of the cover facing toward each other.

• 4

  Fold one edge inward to the middle of the cover. Each person should grasp one corner on the same edge. Smooth any wrinkles and make sure the edges are even.

• 5

  Fold the other edge in to the middle of the cover, again smoothing out any wrinkles and aligning the edges.

• 6

  Fold the cover in half by bringing one edge across the midpoint and align it with the other edge. This action is similar to closing a book, with the midpoint of the cover being the spine.

• 7

  Fold the cover over and in about 10 inches from one end. One person should be on each side of the cover. This is the first part of an accordion fold.

• 8

  Lift the cover at the point where the previous fold ended and fold the the cover under and in from that point. Make sure any previous folds do not fall loose. This is the second part of an accordion fold.

• 9

  Repeat folding over and then under at the point where the previous fold ended until the cover is fully folded. When finished, the cover should look like an accordion.