Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has affected your house can be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that should help provide a smoother recovery process.

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

  • Of course, it is always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe 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 possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are finished. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so safely.
  • Water Source: It is very important to shut 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: Turn off all power to affected rooms of the property. Do not operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don't 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 a dry area. Do not allow draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house 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 used to put out the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of 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: Don't use any TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't eat food exposed to smoke or canned products that have been subjected to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer all pets to a safe environment until your property has been fully cleaned and restored.
  • 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 has been damaged by mold, water, storm, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!