The emotional effect of a disaster such as flooding or a wildfire can feel overwhelming. If you’re facing a crisis because of serious damage to your home and property, salvaging your most valuable possessions is key to recovery. Below, we’ve offered a guide with practical tips that will help you preserve precious possessions in the wake of a disaster.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Remember to Prioritize Safety
Safety is always first when you’re dealing with damage to your home. Ensure that you and your family are safe first and wait for the professionals to secure the area before you return and attempt to salvage your possessions.
Call Us for Professional Restoration Services
You need a reputable and experienced home damage restoration company with extensive experience in Orange County to handle the full restoration—you can’t do this on your own! Reach out to us soon after the damage has occurred so we can get to work salvaging as much as possible.
Quick Action Is Key
Act swiftly to retrieve items before additional damage sets in. Mold and water damage can escalate rapidly, so start the salvage process as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Categorize and Prioritize
Prioritize items based on their sentimental or monetary value. Start with essential documents like identification, insurance papers, and medical records. Then move on to valuables such as heirlooms, jewelry, and irreplaceable photographs.
Separate Wet Items
Separate wet items from dry ones to prevent moisture transfer. Use absorbent materials like towels or blankets to soak up excess water. Place wet items on a clean, dry surface to air out.
Document Damages for Insurance Claims
Make sure to take photographs and videos for your possessions and create a full list of the affected items with their estimated value. This will help immensely in working with your insurance provider and speed up the process.
Use Proper Cleaning Techniques
Different materials require specific cleaning methods. Our professionals can determine the best cleaning techniques for specific items. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may cause further damage.
Invest in Storage Solutions
During the restoration process, find a secure storage location for the items you’ve salvaged. This will provide you important peace of mind while we’re working at restoring your home.
Learn From the Experience
You can use a disaster as a way to assess future preparedness. For example, you’ll know where you need waterproof storage containers or a fire-resistant safe. You’ll have a better understanding of the insurance coverage you need to protect your belongings in the future.
We’re Here to Help You
We’ve worked for over fifty years helping homes recover from disasters like water and fire damage in Orange County, CA. We understand the stress that people undergo when attempting to recover after catastrophic damage to their property and belongings. We’re here to help ease the strain as much as possible and put you quickly on the path to restoring your home and salvaging your belongings. Don’t hesitate to call us as soon as possible—the sooner we’re involved, the more help we can provide.
For comprehensive home restoration services you can rely on, contact Jarvis Restoration today!