Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your house is most often traumatic and stressful. 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 is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe 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 you possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of 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, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present many possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the property. Don't operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to speed up drying in summertime or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to dry areas. Don't let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under 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 help to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house 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 the water that was used to diffuse the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can cause more damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo 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 using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat food exposed to smoke or canned products that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer any and all pets to a safe environment until your property has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean 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 has been damaged by water, fire, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!