Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your home is most often traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that can help the recovery process go smoother.

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

  • Of course, it’s 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 let them know you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are done. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so safely.
  • Water Source: It is very 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected rooms of the home. Don't operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to speed up drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to dry places. Don't let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the scene completely safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from the water that was used to extinguish the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage can be 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: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected rooms to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or canned items that have been exposed 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: Transport all pets to a clean environment until your home has been fully restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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