By ROBERT WRIGHT, Suddath Government Services
When it comes to moving household goods, two terms that are often used interchangeably are mitigation and remediation. However, these terms refer to two distinct phases of the process and it's important to understand the difference between them to ensure that companies are fulfilling their insurance requirements and limiting losses to the greatest possible extent.
Mitigation
Mitigation involves taking immediate action to prevent further damage and minimize losses. This typically happens immediately after a loss occurs and can involve a variety of actions, depending on the type of loss. For instance, in the case of water damage, mitiga-tion might involve repacking items into dry cartons, drying out wet furniture, and preventing mold growth.
Mitigation is crucial because it helps to prevent further damage, minimize losses, and is required by most insurance policies as well as the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). If mitigation is not done quickly and effectively, the damage can become worse, leading to more costly repairs and longer recovery times.
Remediation
Remediation is the process of removing a contaminant and restoring the household goods to their pre-move condition. This can involve a variety of actions, depending on the type of loss. For example, in the case of fire damage, remediation might involve cleaning and deodorizing the affected area, repairing or replacing damaged items, and restoring the items to their pre-fire condition.
Remediation is important because it helps to restore the household goods to their pre-move condition and helps customers and renters to get back to their normal lives. It's important to note that remediation requires a professional and may involve more complex repairs and restoration work. USTRANSCOM requires that remediation work for military moves be approved by the Military Claims Office (MCO).
The Difference Between Mitigation & Remediation
The main difference between mitigation and remedia-tion is that mitigation is focused on preventing further damage, while remediation involves removing contaminants and restoring the household goods to their pre-move condition. Mitigation is typically done immediately after the loss, while remediation can take longer and requires a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Understanding the difference between mitigation and remediation is crucial for movers to take the necessary steps to protect their customer's household goods. By knowing which actions to take in the event of a cata-strophic loss, we can ensure that our customer's household goods are protected, and that they can get back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.
Comments