Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your property is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that can help provide a smoother recovery process.

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 your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your friends and relatives to assure them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is 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 have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are helpful 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 slips, falls and electric shock are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done so 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the home. Don't operate your television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on 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. (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: Relocate wet items to dry places. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any excess 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 helpful tips to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home 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 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 stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not consume food 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: Transfer all pets to a clean environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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