Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has affected your property can often be a traumatic situation filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that should help the recovery process go smoother.

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

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are complete. (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, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected rooms of the home. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Never use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental 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 carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of large furniture. Wipe any residual 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 suggestions to help deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water that was used to put out the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completely 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 more damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Don't 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 using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don't attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected rooms to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never eat food items exposed to smoke or any canned items that have been exposed 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 any and all pets to a clean environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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