Helpful Tips

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

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

  • Of course, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure and that you contact your relatives and friends to inform them that you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup 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 Paul Davis to arrive, listed 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. 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 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 all power to affected rooms of the property. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to aid in 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 the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to dry areas. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of larger 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 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 completely 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, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can create extra damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Never use any TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If the electricity is turned off, empty 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 attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or canned goods that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transport all pets to a clean environment until your property has been fully cleaned and restored.
  • 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 mold, fire, storm, water or other disaster, Call Paul!