Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your house can often be a traumatic situation that is filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (403)342-4666

  • Obviously, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are done. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, listed below are helpful 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 slips, falls and electric shock are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected rooms of the property. Never operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in summertime or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to dry places. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for a member of the Paul Davis team to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property 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 diffuse the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can lead to additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Never use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer any and all pets to a safe environment until your property has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

If your business or home is damaged by water, mold, storm, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!