Helpful tips
Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your residence can be a traumatic situation filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that will help provide a smoother recovery process.
Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs.
- Of course, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to inform them that you are all safe.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
- Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are completed. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)
Water Damage Tips
You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the damage.
- Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done so safely.
- Water Source: It is important to turn off the water. For most, the main shut-off valve is located either in your garage or utility room, or outside, next to the water meter
- Electrical: Turn off the power to affected rooms of the home. Don't operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
- Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to speed up drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
- Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)
- Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
- Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry place. Don't allow draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
- Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.
Fire Damage Tips
You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the damage.
- Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to put out the fire, as well as scraped and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
- Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can create more damage. It is best to enter the affected area on a limited basis and only if absolutely necessary.
- Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
- Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when possible. Do not use "DIY" home carpet cleaners.
- Ceilings/Walls: Don't wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
- Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Do not consume any food exposed to smoke or any canned products that have been exposed to excessive heat.
- Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
- Pets: Move any and all pets to a safe environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
- Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
- Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.
If your home or business is damaged by storm, fire, mould, water or other disaster, Call Paul!