I'm an avid book collector. I have pocket books, hardbound books, colorful picture books, plain text books - name them and I most likely have them at home.

The interior of my house resembles a mini library with a mishmash of books laid out in practically every nook and cranny. Paperbacks and volume books alike from various authors are stacked on top of each other and displayed all throughout my home. In place of flowers, vases, and figurines, books serve as the decoration pieces of my house.

With the staggering amount of books in my house, one thing that I have gotten really good at is maintaining my books in mint condition. As a bookworm, I know for a fact that if there's anything to keep books away from, it's water in all its forms. If you think you're just like me (G-d help you) thenhere are some of my ways of protecting books and preventing them from having to undergo water damage restoration.

1. Cover books in plastic covers. - Covering books in plastic is a tedious task, but it's the best way to deter water damage restoration. Imagine if someone accidentally uses one of your books as drink coaster: you could just easily wipe off the water rings if it had a plastic cover. If a sprinkler or a pipe suddenly bursts inside your home, your plastic-covered books would be protected from the water spray. Some bookworms feel that a book becomes ugly once it's covered in plastic, but I'd rather have an ugly plastic-covered book rather than having to spend $$$ for its water damage restoration.

2. Keep books away from heat and moisture. - Heat and moisture are the top two destroyers of books. Don't let your precious babies near them unless you feel like being introduced to the steps of water damage restoration. Don't store books in places that have high heat and moisture levels such as the kitchen and bathroom. I know a lot of people like to read in the bathroom, but keeping books in there could warp, distort, and eventually destroy the books.

3. Don't eat or drink while reading. - I know more and more bookstores are placing cafes inside their store premises, making it seem fashionable to eat and read at the same time. It may look somewhat cool, but doing so is pretty much asking for a trip to a water damage restoration service center. It's so easy to spill your food or your whole glass onto the pages of the book you're reading. Hardcore bookworms know better than to eat and read at the same time.

4. Store books on high ground. - If you don't ever want your books to undergo water damage restoration, keep them on high ground. Even if you don't live in a flood-prone area, any number of things at home can cause superficial flooding. Second-floor libraries are best but if your books are on the first floor or in the basement, consider installing high bookshelves. Keep your books high and dry and you and they won't ever have to undergo water damage restoration.