6 Tips to Prepare for Document Loss (Disaster)

KNOW THE LOCATIONS OF ALL RECORDS.

Within 24 hours, ServiceMaster Restore technicians will be on site to stop water damage and smoke damage and to make a general assessment after the loss. Being prepared with a listing of all records and floor plans showing their locations will help the document recovery process begin smoothly.

IDENTIFY RECORDS THAT ARE VITAL.

Vital records are records that are critical for your organization’s continuing operation and should be identified for priority document recovery and restoration. Records with legal, fiscal, administrative, historical, and archival value fit into this category.

PRIORITIZE RECORDS GROUPS.

Determine the priority of your organization’s other record groups. ServiceMaster Restore technicians technicians can help provide an inventory of damaged files, but determining the order of recovery is best done by the customer.

REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE.

“Valuable Papers Insurance” is often purchased by entities that have a great deal to lose if records are damaged or destroyed. Reviewing coverage limits prior to a disaster will help to ensure proper coverage is in place.

KNOW WHO TO CALL FIRST.

Mold growth can begin in as little as 48 hours after documents have been in contact with water. Document recovery is best performed and most cost-effective when begun immediately after disaster strikes.

ARRANGE OFF-SITE STORAGE.

Documents and other contents often must be moved to allow restoration contractors to access the structure of the damaged building. ServiceMaster Restore technicians teams can provide document moving services when off-site storage has been arranged as well as re-shelving services when work is complete.