SERVPRO restores contents such as documents impacted by water and mold after a storm

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: Precious keepsakes, such as documents that are irreplaceable for clients can be restored by the SERVPRO cleaning services after a storm and other water damage events.

Precious contents restoration after a storm strikes

When the storm settles and while the water, mold, and fire restoration companies like SERVPRO are restoring the property, there is something important and valuable that needs tending to. Precious keepsakes such as documents, photographs, rugs, and fabrics are a part of every home or business and are often irreplaceable. Can they be saved?

SERVPRO of West Fort Worth specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms and other water damage events. SERVPRO’s expertise and a “restore” versus “replace” mentality help clients save money while preserving precious keepsakes, documents, and memories.

Here is how storm restoration companies like SERVPRO takes care of the belongings:  

# 1 Contents cleaning

• Dry Cleaning - It is used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - This is an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe - There are some items that cannot be cleaned and therefore just spraying and wiping may do the trick without any damage to the material.
• Foam Cleaning - It can be used for upholstery fabrics that may shrink or bleed if cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - This involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

# 2 Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

When the property requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of West Fort Worth conducts an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. This has the following benefits:

• A quicker remodeling process, as it allows freedom of movement
• Protecting precious belongings from potential damage that may be caused by the water or mold that is still being cleaned. Moving the belongings while certain treatments are being used makes sense. On-site damage can be efficiently protected by moving the belongings. 

Once the restoration is complete, the SERVPRO team coordinates with the clients to move all the belongings back as per their needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on the insurance coverage.

# 3 Electronic Cleanup

Storm brings in immense water damage that can ruin electronics and can pose serious risks. Electrical devices must not be turned on or operated until the restoration team has assessed them. SERVPRO will coordinate the restoration of electronics, including:

•  Television sets
•  DVD players
•  Computers
•  And more

Prompt action is the key to restoring electronics and preventing further damage. The exteriors of electronic devices are first cleaned to help halt further corrosion and damage. Thereafter, they are cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

# 4 Document/Photograph Drying

Valuable documents, including photographs and business/legal/confidential records that have been damaged by water, should be handled with extreme caution. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage conditions, SERVPRO of West Fort Worth can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

SERVPRO’s Document Restoration Facility boasts of:

• Innovative technology: The latest vacuum freeze-drying method, as well as gamma irradiation technology, is used for sterilizing.
• Security: The HIPPA Master-certified technicians keep the documents under 24/7 surveillance
• Digitization: A computerized inventory system digitizes all documents
• Flexible capacity: Large commercial losses, as well as small residential jobs, can be accommodated.
• Full Service: A full range of services including drying, cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization is available.

SERVPRO technology:

Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, here are the methods for the restoration of documents:

• Air Drying - The moisture content of documents can be reduced with air-drying within the first 48-72 hours. 
• Dehumidification - Bringing down the humidity level with dehumidifiers can prevent further damage.
• Freeze Drying - The SERVPRO document restoration team uses innovative vacuum freeze-drying techniques. The freeze-drying methods used by the Library of Congress to dry valuable historic documents and books are used by SERVPRO as well to ensure the best service for its customers.
• Vacuum Freeze Drying -  SERVPRO’s vacuum freeze-drying process is the only method approved by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the General Services Administration (GSA).

• Gamma irradiation- In many water damage situations, like sewage or floodwater, documents will be exposed to bacteria, viruses, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. The Gamma irradiation process helps sterilize the documents safely and effectively.

Prevention 

Digitizing Services: Converting the paper files and photos to digital formats can have an invaluable impact on business or home. With the help of SERVPRO’s restoration professionals, one can save storage space and have access to records at the touch of a button. Most importantly, valuable documents will now be indestructible even in case of fire or flood. 

Documents that can be restored:

• paper documents
• books and magazines
• manuscripts and files
• photographs, films, negatives, and microfiche
• x-rays
• blueprints and maps
• parchment

# 5 Contents Claim Inventory Service

It’s hard to keep track of precious content when a storm strikes. During the recovery process, SERVPRO’s Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) can ease the overwhelming worry and confusion that follows. Digital photographs and barcoding enable an accurate, room-by-room inventory of contents.

This service allows for:

•  Pre-loss list and value of contents
•  A detailed and accurate report
•  Better information to settle claims quicker
•  Assistance with the burden of proof for claims
•  Peace of mind  

Why SERVPRO?

# SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of West Fort Worth is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in West Fort Worth, Benbrook, Azle, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

# With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

# The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For storm and content restoration services, call SERVPRO of West Fort Worth today at (817) 560-3086 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com