Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your residence is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that will 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 your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • 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 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 Paul Davis to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present several potential safety hazards to occupants. 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 so 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 the power to affected rooms of the property. Don't operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to aid in drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use a 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: Relocate wet items to a dry area. Don't let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home 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 diffuse the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are 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 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: Do not 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 using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: 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 products that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transport any pets to a safe environment until your property has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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