Helpful Tips

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

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

  • Obviously, it is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to assure them that you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household personal belongings or goods you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the 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 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: Water events can present many possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off all power to affected areas of the property. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist with drying during the summer or in regions with more humidity.
  • 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. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess 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 suggestions to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from the water used to extinguish the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short 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.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Don't use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not consume food exposed to smoke or 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: Relocate any pets to a clean environment until your property has been fully restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Rinse plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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