How to Restore Important Documents After a Storm or Fire

In the aftermath of a storm or fire, one of the most important things to consider is the recovery of important documents. These may include passports, certificates, IDs, deeds, contracts, and many more. If not attended to immediately, important documents may become damaged beyond repair, resulting in lost time, money and inconvenience. The good news is that with the following tips, you can restore your important documents to their pre-loss condition.

Wear Protective Gear

The first thing you need to do when restoring documents after a storm or fire is to ensure you are equipped with protective gear. This can include a glove, a face mask and goggles to prevent inhaling smoke, soot and other harmful particles from the damaged documents. Your first priority is your safety, so it is essential to take the necessary precautions before handling any documents.

Assess the Damage

After ensuring that you are protected, the next step is to assess the damage on your documents. Check if there are holes, watermarks, mold, or charred borders. Make a list of which documents have been affected and document them well. Take photos of each document, especially the details, and store them in a safe place you can easily retrieve them later.

Prioritize and Sort

Once you have assessed the damage to your documents, determine which are the most important and prioritize them for immediate restoration. Those that are ruined beyond repair must be separated from those that can still be remedied. You can sort them by chronological order, type, or by importance. Sorting will not only make the process faster but also help you identify which ones may need professional help.

Use Proven Techniques

There are several techniques and equipment you can use to restore your documents depending on the level of damage, such as air-drying, freeze-drying, surface cleaning, and mold remediation. Some documents may only require simple treatment, while others may need a professional service like a document restoration company. Ensure that you properly research and select a reputable company that specializes in document restoration. Do not attempt to use DIY methods as this may cause further damage.

Store Properly

After the restoration process, it is important to store your recovered documents properly. This keeps them safe from further damage and protects them from future calamities. Consider getting protective sleeves, laminating documents, or keeping them in a waterproof container. Moreover, make a digital backup of your documents in case of future loss.

Conclusion

Restoring important documents after a storm or fire may seem overwhelming and daunting, but with proper planning and quick action, you can salvage most of your important papers. Always prioritize your safety, assess the damage, sort your papers, use proven techniques, and store them properly. These tips will help you restore your important documents to their pre-loss conditions and give you peace of mind. In case you need assistance in public claims adjustment, contact a trusted company like Five Star Claims Adjusting that provides professional services in central Florida.