Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Training Matters: SERVPRO Certifications and Commitments

4/14/2023 (Permalink)

A project manager briefs Servpro technicians in full PPE on work to be done. SERVPRO technicians have the training to get the job done!

The SERVPRO of Missoula website has a lot to say about the training our technicians and project managers receive. This is because when the need for a remediation and restoration professional arises, the need is often urgent, and we want our customers to know right from the start that our technicians have the training to get the job done right.
We often specifically mention IICRC and RIA certifications. And why are these important? The IICRC—the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification—is a non-profit organization that has provided the most utilized information for the cleaning and restoration industry in the U.S. for more than forty years. The RIA—the Restoration Industry Association—is the oldest restoration trade association in the country and works with the IICRC to develop industry standards. The training our team leaders receive from these two organizations, in conjunction with specialized training provided by our corporate training facility, equip them with the expertise to address water, fire, or mold damage of any scope or scale. This is due to vigorous courses in all aspects of remediation—from advanced safety training to classifying categories of water damage to understanding microbial growth.
When we speak of our highly trained team here at SERVPRO of Missoula, it isn’t just idle chatter. Our team members are trained not only at the beginning of their SERVPRO careers, but via additional and refresher training throughout each year to ensure that we can deliver on our promise to make the water, fire, or mold damage in your home or business “Like it never even happened.”

Why SERVPRO – Steps for an Insurance Home Inventory

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

A hand holding a smart phone, taking a picture of objects on a table. A home inventory can help you determine the kind of homeowners’ or renters’ coverage that’s right for your lifestyle!

Here at SERVPRO of Missoula, we work to make water, fire, and mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Restoring your home after damages of these kinds occur often means replacing items that were affected, so an up-to-date home inventory can be a big help for both restoration professionals and insurance adjusters working on your claim. Also, home inventories aren’t just for homeowners or for people who already have insurance; they can be a great first step in determining what level of coverage you might need and are also valuable in seeking a renter’s insurance or filing a claim as a renter.

While perhaps time-consuming at first, building a home inventory is a simple process. To get started on yours, just follow these steps:

  • Go through your home room by room and take pictures of the entire room, as well as close-up pictures of individual items you would want to be replaced in the event of a loss
  • For each item, record a description of the item, the serial number if applicable, when and where the item was purchased, and the cost at the time of purchase (or appraisal of cost if the actual cost is unknown)
  • Add new items to your inventory as they’re added to your home, and keep copies or pictures of receipts whenever possible
  • For antique items or collections, check with your insurance agent to determine if special coverage is needed

In our increasingly digital world, home inventories are easier than ever to create. You can organize one in an online spreadsheet, or check out several free app options to use directly on your phone or tablet. In the event of an emergency at your home, your inventory can then be accessed off-site. Finally, as an extra preparedness step, you can add important contact information to the bottom of your document, like the numbers for your insurance agent and for SERVPRO of Missoula!